Transference and Countertransference by Heinrich Racker

Description

Transference and Countertransference by Heinrich Racker is a seminal work that delves into the intricate dynamics between analyst and patient within the psychoanalytic setting. Originally published in 1968, this collection of essays offers a comprehensive examination of transference—the projection of feelings by the patient onto the analyst—and countertransference—the analyst's emotional response to the patient. Racker emphasizes the significance of countertransference as a vital tool for understanding the patient's unconscious processes, challenging the traditional view of it as merely an obstacle in therapy. He introduces concepts such as the "countertransference neurosis," highlighting how the analyst's own unconscious conflicts can resonate with those of the patient, thereby influencing the therapeutic process. This work is essential reading for psychoanalysts and psychotherapists seeking to deepen their comprehension of the mutual emotional influences that shape the therapeutic alliance.