The tragedy beyond the theatre : the therapist’s experience of somatic countertransference

Abstract

The aim of this study is to portray the experience of somatic countertransference (SCT), the nature of the somatic reactions felt by the eight therapists that participated in this study, and the meanings they ascribed to such experiences. The study adopts Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as a methodological approach with the data gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The six main themes that emerged following the thematic analysis of the data were the following: (a) the somatic reactions experienced by participants, (b) the intensity and complexity of the experience, (c) the need to talk about SCT, (d) the experience of SCT as part of the work, (e) the impact of the work on the therapist and, (f) the change in meaning of SCT through experience. The participants’ narratives described the nature of their experience and how SCT was something inevitable and part of their work, affecting both themselves as therapists and the therapeutic process in different ways. Participants also described how they experienced SCT differently, mainly depending on the stage of their career and personal development, client group, and material brought to therapy. They also spoke about a number of strategies they used to recognise and deal with their SCT, namely the use of supervision and reflexivity, and the adjustments they made to their work practices and life-style as part of their self-care. In the light of the implications of the study, a number of recommendations and suggestions regarding future research were made.