Abstract
This paper focuses on the way political ideas infused the psychoanalytic treatment of Mr. N., a man who struggled with low self-esteem, paranoia, and rage. Mr. N. became increasingly identified with Republican political goals and attacked what he considered my Democratic political views and legislative advocacy. The way that his anger became focused on my political activity had a profound impact on me, leading to strong countertransference feelings of depression and hate. The ways that I tried to accept and use this countertransference in the treatment are summarized, in the context of D.W. Winnicott’s paper on “Hate in the Countertransference” and others. During the course of the treatment Mr. N. became less judgmental of others and himself, learned to give and accept love, and developed the capacity for self-reflection through use of the therapeutic relationship.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Couch, A. (1999). Therapeutic functions of the real relationship in psychoanalysis. Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, 54, 130–158.
Fonagy, P., et al. (2002). Affect regulation, mentalization and the development of the self. New York: Other Press.
Green, L. B. (2006). The value of hate in the countertransference. Clinical Social Work Journal, 34(2), 187–199.
Kantrowitz, J. (1996). The patient’s impact on the analyst. New York: Routledge.
Kohut, H. (1972). Thoughts on narcissism and narcissistic rage. Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, 27, 360–400.
Sandler, J. (1976). Countertransference and role responsiveness. International Review of Psycho-Analysis, 3, 43–47.
Searles, H. F. (1959). The effort to drive the other person crazy. In Collected papers on schizophrenia and related subjects (pp. 1–18). New York: International Universities Press.
Winnicott, D.W. (1949). Hate in the counter-transference. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 30, 69–74.