Countertransference in marital therapy for infidelity

Abstract

Marital therapy for infidelity may bring up intense countertransference feelings in the therapist. Biases and identifications with one or the other spouse, moralism, and feelings of anger, hopelessness, and hopelessness often surface while working with clients dealing with extramarital affairs. When the reactions are conscious they are less likely to interfere in the couple therapy, but when unconscious the work may be negatively affected. This article discusses some pitfalls in marital therapy with infidelity.