IJSP Number 8, 2026

International Journal of Supervision in Psychotherapy, Number 8, 2026 Page | 23 CONCLUSION Over the years, in my own psychotherapy and supervision, I have investigated the various aspects of my countertransference. I have also explored the countertransferential experiences of many supervisees. It is apparent that countertransference begins with our identifying with our client. This is why it is essential that psychotherapy trainees, and even experienced psychotherapists, engage in their own in-depth psychotherapy, ongoing supervision, and case discussions with other psychotherapists. In providing a comprehensive psychotherapy, it is essential that the psychotherapist attune to the unintegrated and unaware aspects of the client, such as their physical sensations, affects, stabilizing fantasies, or unrequited needs. We may also identify with some features of an internalized significant other, such as a father ’ s criticism, a mother ’ s lack of tenderness, or a grandmother ’ s harsh expectations. At first, we may mistakenly identify these aspects of the client as emerging from ourselves when, in actuality, they represent unrecognized interjections. The story of Loraine ’ s psychotherapy provides an example of how I was influenced by her unconscious communication of her mother ’ s “ disgust ”. I used this unaware identification — what I experienced as my “ repulsions ” — to eventually shape my inquiry about her mother ’ s attitude toward Loraine. Identifying her mother’s attitude and behaviour toward Loraine changed how I felt when in Loraine’s presence, as well as the direction and depth of our psychotherapy. As I said earlier, Henry also influenced me, but in different way than Loraine. Henry’s sad stories stimulated me to remember my own loneliness and yearning for a father’s attention. In the midst of our psychotherapy sessions, I experienced memories of my loneliness and longing as a young boy --- potentially a reactive countertransference. Yet, I used those memories of what I needed from my parents, particularly a father, to guide my inquiry into Henry’s experience with his parents. Recalling my own experience as a child made it possible for me to be sensitively attuned to Henery emotional experience; what began as a reaction became a responsive countertransference. When we are fully involved with our client, when we are committed to our client’s welfare, we cannot avoid being in countertransference because our countertransference is composed of our emotional, imaginative, and behavioural reactions that are stimulated by the client’s intrapsychic and behavioural processes. Let us embrace the concept of countertransference and use it responsively, in the service of our clients. REFERENCES 1. Erskine, R. G. (2023). Reflections on Supervision in Integrative Psychotherapy. International Journal of Supervision in Psychotherapy. 5:1-20. 2. Vîşcu, L., C. , Watkins Jr., C.E., & Erskine, R. G. (2023). Applying the Pyramid of Supervision to Concepts of Relationally-focused Integrative Psychotherapy. I nternational Journal of Supervision in Psychotherapy. 5:21-33. 3. Erskine, R.G., Moursund, J.P. & Trautmann R.L. (2023). Beyond Empathy: A Therapy of Contact-in-Relationship. Rutledge Mental Health Classic Editions.(Original work published 1999)