What does the term 'countertransference' refer to?

Countertransference refers to the therapist's emotional responses and feelings towards the patient, deriving from the therapist's own experiences, unresolved conflicts, and personal history. It's a phenomenon where the therapist’s reactions are influenced by their own past and emotional state, which can manifest as affection, anger, or frustration in relation to the patient.

Understanding countertransference is vital for therapists, as it can impact the therapeutic relationship and process. Being aware of these feelings allows therapists to maintain a professional boundary, ensuring their personal feelings do not interfere with the objective care of the patient.

The other options present concepts that do not accurately capture the essence of countertransference. For instance, the process of a patient's resistance to therapy pertains to their reluctance to engage in therapeutic work, while the empathic feelings of the therapist are more about understanding the patient's emotions rather than the therapist’s personal feelings directed at the patient. Additionally, analyzing a client's dreams is a specific therapeutic technique and does not relate to the emotional dynamics between therapist and patient that countertransference encompasses.