Countertransference & Play Therapy
Unique Aspects of CT for Child therapists
**Countertransference: What is it?**
Countertransference has been a concept in psychotherapy since its inception (Hayes et al., 2018). Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, was the first to write about the countertransference experiences he encountered in his work with adult patients. He defined countertransference as the therapist's emotional response to the patient, viewing it as a potential issue that could jeopardize the therapist's neutrality and objectivity in treatment (Luepnitz, 2002). Freud considered countertransference a therapist-centered problem, indicating that the therapist needed further self-analysis.
Countertransference was not widely discussed after Freud's initial writings for several decades. However, interest in the topic resurfaced during the 1950s, leading to a better understanding (Ellis, 2001). Today, countertransference is recognized as an inevitable part of the therapeutic process. From a modern standpoint, countertransference is defined as the therapist’s total emotional reaction to the patient. The impact of countertransference reactions on treatment outcomes can be either positive or negative, depending on the therapist's ability to manage these reactions effectively.
Countertransference in Play Therapy
Play therapy and therapeutic work with children hits differently. If you are a play therapist or a child therapist, it is hard to ignore the embodied reactions that arise during this work. Thus, it is unsurprising that play therapists experience countertransference more frequently and uniquely than therapists working with adults.
Children are inherently vulnerable, greatly influenced by their environment, and have limited control over their lives. Therapeutic interactions with children evoke memories of the therapist's childhood, leading the therapist to take on the role of a caretaker or parent.
Considering these factors, it is understandable that child therapists, especially play therapists who closely engage with a child's symbolic and unconscious expressions in the playroom, experience unique manifestations of countertransference.
In the end, what matters is that we acknowledge the inevitability of this experience and seize the opportunities presented.
Play Therapists’ Opportunities & Responsibilities
Now that we have established countertransference as an inevitable aspect of the work, the question becomes:
What are play therapists’ responsibilities in managing and addressing CT experiences?
Below I offer suggestions and clinical approaches for understanding, managing, and using CT as Play Therapists :
Honoring the experience in supervision and for self: Addressing CT starts by honoring this experience as an inherent part of the play therapy process and relationship. We must also invite conversations about these experiences in supervision. The earlier the topic is introduced within play therapy training and supervision, the better.
Group/peer supervision: Group supervision and consultation-based supervisory groups provide rich opportunities for the interpersonal processing of clinical work within a supportive environment. These groups are particularly effective at creating a space for self-observation by allowing individuals to see themselves as others perceive them (Aponte & Kissil, 2014).
The Inner Canvas Collective offers : Play Therapy Group Supervision & Peer Based Support (RPT/ RPT-S), if interested, please complete this form and send it here.
Wellness: Finally, play therapists' well-being must be prioritized to prevent burnout and meet ethical standards (Winburn et al., 2023). Therapist self care and wellness is not a one size fits all. Play therapists must be proactive about their well-being (preventative rather than reactionary); Ultimately, by consciously integrating wellness into our practice and being aware of its cyclical nature, play therapists not only foster a healthier therapeutic environment for children but also create a sustainable, rewarding career for themselves.
If you are interested in learning more, our on-demand Fall 2024 training on Countertransference in Play Therapy, (2 CEs are available) can be found here:
CT in PT Webinar_Fall Training Series (2024)
For Supervision and Consultation, please consider checking out The Inner Canvas Collective's Clinical Supervision Program
Play is flow. Play is love. Play is soul work. Play is how children heal. Play is for everyone.