Interpersonal Processes in Psychoanalytic, Cognitive Analytical and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

The aim of the review was to compare interpersonal processes in psychoanalytic therapy, cognitive analytical therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Since the emphasis is on psychodynamic therapy, Freud's conceptualization of the phenomenon of transference is discussed. Countertransference as an unconscious and defensive reaction to the patient's transference is explored. The importance of both interpersonal processes for therapy outcome is explained and views of different authors on transference as well as countertransference are covered. Emphasis is placed on the operation of transference in psychoanalytic therapy as well as how transference is dealt with and resolved. Cognitive analytic therapy is defined briefly and identifying as well as reciprocating transference is explained. Varieties of countertransference as defined by Ryan (1998) are explored and similarities between modeling and countertransference reactions are demonstrated. There is evidence of interpersonal processes such as transference and countertransference in all psychotherapies. Since these processes originated in psychoanalytic therapy, it is suggested that non-psychoanalytic oriented therapists be probably at a higher risk of unrecognized countertransference due to a lack of personal therapy. (Contains 43 references.) (Author/JDM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.