Countertransference Hate in the Treatment of Suicidal Patients

Abstract

The countertransference hatred (feelings of malice and aversion) that suicidal patients arouse in the psychotherapist is a major obstacle in treatment; its management through full awareness and self-restraint is essential for successful results. The therapist's repression, turning against himself, reaction formation, projection, distortion, and denial of countertransference hatred increase the danger of suicide. Such antitherapeutic stances, their recognition, and the related potential for constructive or destructive action are the subject of this paper.