Transference and countertransference

TOPIC: The utility of transference and countertransference in professional nursing relationships. PURPOSE: To provide an introductory text for nurses new to these concepts. SOURCES: Literature specific to transference and countertransference illustrated by examples related to professional practice. CONCLUSIONS: Transference and countertransference influence relationships in ways that under certain conditions may be unhelpful to all concerned. Understanding how transference and countertransference manifest themselves has implications for the safe structuring of professional relationships.