THE THERAPIST'S EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE DURING PREGNANCY AND MISCARRIAGE: THOUGHTS ON COUNTERTRANSFERENCE, EMPATHY AND REALITY.
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Title
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THE THERAPIST'S EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE DURING PREGNANCY AND MISCARRIAGE: THOUGHTS ON COUNTERTRANSFERENCE, EMPATHY AND REALITY.
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Identifier
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AAI8801706
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identifier
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8801706
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Creator
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DESHEH, YAEL.
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Contributor
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Arietta Slade
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Date
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1987
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Education, Educational Psychology
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Abstract
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A clinical study explored therapists' unique internal experience during pregnancy, early motherhood and miscarriage and its impact on the therapeutic process.;Eleven psychodynamically-oriented therapists were interviewed during and following their pregnancies. Three were interviewed regarding their experience of a miscarriage or a problematic pregnancy. Ongoing and retrospective data was provided regarding therapists' changing internal state and sense of self at various stages, and its impact on their professional identity, relationships with patients and colleagues and alterations in the treatment setting.;A major area of focus related to the intensification of counter-transference phenomena at this time. These were examined in relation to impact on therapeutic effectiveness, capacity for empathy and choices of technical handling of practical problems introduced by the pregnancy or miscarriage.;The findings confirm the hypothesis that alongside intensification of real and transferential aspects of the therapeutic relationship there is an equally profound intensification of countertransferential feelings as well as concerns regarding reality based obstacles. Whether these will facilitate therapeutic gains or increase negative effects depends on the manner in which they are handled.;Regarding pregnancy, alongside self absorption and withdrawal from patients, an increase in maternal nurturance and empathic attunement was noted. These observations were discussed in light of parallel processes between therapy and parenting. Distinct alterations in professional role and therapeutic style were observed after delivery. These were evaluated in the context of therapists' redefinition of boundaries and sense of self.;The effects of a therapist's sudden miscarriage or a complicated pregnancy on the therapeutic process were described and explanations regarding the almost total neglect of the topic were offered. A prolonged and ubiquitous process of mourning which was insufficiently acknowledged was noted. Its contribution to countertransferential and realistic difficulties was evaluated in relation to issues of omnipotence, narcissistic injury and loss.;The crucial significance of adequate forums for therapists' expression of their own needs and frustrations at a time of personal or developmental crisis was underscored.;Finally, therapeutic implications regarding technical handling of practical and logistical issues were reviewed and some recommendations were offered.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Psychology
