Countertransference Inside and Outside Sessions: The Impact of Countertransference on the Therapist’s Post-Session Elaboration

Objective: Countertransference research has demonstrated the importance of countertransference management for successful therapy outcomes. In this study we expand the notion of countertransference management by investigating the relationship between countertransference experienced within sessions and the elaborative activity taking place between sessions. Method: Twenty-three in-training psychotherapists were asked to rate their emotional reactions through the Therapist Response Questionnaire at the end of 69 counseling sessions and to complete a Post Session Therapist Questionnaire, an instrument assessing three relevant reflexivity activities in the post-session time. The 69 sessions were also recorded, transcribed, and evaluated by three external raters, who applied the Countertransference Behavior Measure. Results: Results showed significant correlations between some dimensions of countertransference experienced in the session and some dimensions of the therapists’ post-session working through. Conclusion: Our results highlight the centrality of therapists’ in-between session reflexivity processes in addition to awareness of countertransference within sessions, a process that has a potential impact on therapeutic outcomes.