Transference, Countertransference and Reenactment in Therapy
Abstract
No matter what theory or method a clinician works with in therapy, transference still occurs within the interpersonal field between client and therapist. In gaining an understanding of how these phenomena occur in therapy and everyday life, the therapist can more fully attune with their clients, and track important meanings in the work. We will explain these events and illustrate them in terms of how they manifest in therapy. With an eye on boundaries and ethics, we will focus on how to stay “on track” in the midst of these unconscious processes. Discussion will also examine how the therapist can understand and manage his or her countertransference. The therapist will be able to explore these meanings with their clients, both directly and indirectly, in a manner that aids in healing from trauma.
Potential to Distress: No
Target Audience
Beginning/Introductory
Learning Objectives
Upon Completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Define Transference, Countertransference and Reenactment
- Describe situations which reflect these processes
- Recognize incidents where these phenomena occur, and interpret some of their possible meanings
Presenter: Willa Wertheimer, PsyD
Presenter Biography: Dr. Willa Wertheimer is a Chicago Native, a graduate of DePaul University with a Psychology Major and Spanish Minor and received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at The Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She began her thirty + years of service in Englewood's Chicago Bureau of Mental Health and The Chicago-Read Hospital, both areas serving marginalized and at-risk populations. She quickly developed an interest in working with survivors of trauma, abuse and combat. After joining the ISSTD, she became a regular presenter and educator, and has served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. She has co-presented at ISSTD Annual Conferences since 2009 on topics ranging from phase-oriented therapy to neurological underpinnings of clinical presentations, to the treatment of self-harm. In 2010, she and her husband Ed Groenendal founded The ISSTD Northwest Illinois Component Group and have contributed The System Assessment of Self-Harm (SASH) for helping self-harming clients. Currently, they are working on an article about working with The SASH, and hope to develop a study of its efficacy. Both Ed and Willa enjoy the fellowship and shared ideas of learning communities.
Presenter: Edward Groenendal, MA, LCPC
Presenter Biography: Ed Groenendal, a graduate of The Illinois School of Professional Psychology, has been providing psychotherapy services since 2000. Having joined ISSTD at the start of his career, Ed has been an educator and presenter for both ISSTD and ESTD. His presentations at ISSTD conferences included subjects about: Is There a Host in a Client with a Dissociative Identity Disorder, Second Phase of Treatment of Trauma Disorders and Development of Self Reflection and Assessment, Treatment and Underlying Dynamics in Working with Self-Harm.
In addition, Ed has also presented on Sexual Issues in Therapy at local county mental health groups. Currently Ed provides consultation to other therapists and is currently serving as President of The Northwest Illinois ISSTD Group. He also provides support and training to other therapists, who treat patients exhibiting complex trauma. Ed Groenendal, along with Dr. Wertheimer are working on a journal article to be published about self-harm related to complex trauma. He enjoys going out on long, cross-country drives and cooking (and eating), along with his wife Willa Wertheimer.
Available Credit
- 1.50 APAThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- 1.50 ASWB ACEThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.
- 1.50 ISSTD Certificate ProgramThis program is eligible for 1.50 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Price
"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status and career level.
- ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation.
- ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
- If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired.
These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at [email protected] to receive the appropriate discount code.