Countertransference in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents. - book reviews

Adolescence, Summer, 1998

TSIANTIS, John, SANDLER, Anne-Marie, ANASTASOPOULOS, Dimitris, & MARTINDALE, Brian (Eds.). Madison, CT: International Universities Press (for the European Federation for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the Public Health Services), 1996. 176pp. $37.50 (h).

A wide-ranging investigation of countertransference as it relates to children and adolescents is presented. While the authors are from different parts of Europe, the differences present in clinical practice are nonetheless based on a unified body of psychoanalytic thought. The editors believe that the book will contribute to the research methodologies that are essential if analysts are to monitor and evaluate the efficacy of their work in the era of managed care. Anastasopoulos and Tsiantis present a review of countertransference and its historical development. Trowell explains the importance of baby and child observation during analytic training. Holder reports a special relationship between frequency of sessions and the intensity and extent of transference-countertransference reactions. Sandler discusses some of the many sources of difficulty in handling and interpreting the transference in work with children and adolescents. Ladame discusses the transference mirage and the pitfalls of countertransference. Godfrind's chapter is on the influence of the presence of parents on countertransference. Alvarez analyzes the different uses of the countertransference with neurotic, borderline, and psychotic patients. Houzel discusses bisexual aspects of the countertransference in the therapy of psychotic children. The book concludes with Tsiantis's chapter on transference and countertransference issues in the inpatient psychotherapy of traumatized children and adolescents.