Which of the following statements is true of countertransference reactions according to the psychodynamic perspective on personality?

• A. Countertransference occurs when a therapist projects their own unresolved feelings onto the client.
• B. Countertransference refers to the client's unconscious redirection of feelings toward the therapist.
• C. Countertransference is a conscious process that therapists use to guide treatment.
• D. Countertransference only happens in group therapy settings.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of countertransference in the psychodynamic perspective. It refers to the therapist's emotional reactions to the client, often influenced by the therapist's own unconscious feelings and past experiences.
2. Step 2: Differentiate countertransference from transference. Transference is when the client unconsciously redirects feelings toward the therapist, whereas countertransference involves the therapist's projections onto the client.
3. Step 3: Recognize that countertransference is typically an unconscious process, not a conscious strategy used by therapists during treatment.
4. Step 4: Note that countertransference can occur in various therapeutic settings, not limited to group therapy alone.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the true statement is that countertransference occurs when a therapist projects their own unresolved feelings onto the client.