A cross-cultural study of somatic countertransference: a brief overview

Abstract

Whilst countertransference is commonly experienced as feelings, thoughts, images, symbols and dreams endured by the therapist in relation to their client, somatic countertransference is positioned as embodied, physical manifestations in the therapist’s body. Common examples include headaches, nausea, aches, pains, sleepiness, sexual arousal, dizziness and trembling felt by the psychotherapist in session. Current interest in somatic countertransference spans the spectrum from the psychoanalytic, post-Jungian, dance movement and humanistic modalities to empirical studies originating from the trauma research field. Although the clinical literature emphasizes the therapeutic relevance and richness of somatic countertransference for understanding unconscious communications occurring in the session, trauma research advocates greater self-awareness and management of somatic countertransference to prevent therapist burnout. This article will outline the rationale and research process for proposing the first cross-cultural study of somatic countertransference. This study is suggested as a means to extend our understanding of, and ability to work with, somatic countertransference. Preliminary results from an initial study of Chinese psychotherapists will be discussed.

Keywords:

• somatic countertransference
• clinical practice
• cross-cultural study
• China
• therapist’s body

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Adrienne Margarian

Adrienne Margarian is a doctoral candidate at Deakin University with a keen interest in China and Hong Kong, psychotherapy and the emergence of psychotherapy practices in China and Hong Kong. She is a trained psychologist and psychotherapist with a private practice in Annandale, Sydney, and has 17 years of experience of working in mental health with groups and individuals.Adrienne is especially interested and experienced with working with somatic countertransference and psychosomatic illnesses and is keen to understand these phenomena from a Chinese perspective.