Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What describes the emotional reactions of the therapist that arise from their own history, according to analytic theory?

1. Countertransference

2. Transference

3. Crisis of Accession

4. Relational Dynamics

The correct answer is: Countertransference

The term that describes the emotional reactions of the therapist that arise from their own history is countertransference. In analytic theory, countertransference refers to the therapist's unconscious emotional responses to the client, which can be influenced by the therapist's own experiences, unresolved conflicts, and personal issues. This concept emphasizes how the therapist’s feelings and behaviors may reflect their own psychological states and past experiences, rather than being solely responses to the client's actions or feelings. Understanding countertransference is crucial for therapists because it can provide insight into the therapeutic relationship and dynamic. Recognizing these feelings can help therapists maintain professionalism and objectivity while ensuring that their emotional experiences do not interfere with the treatment process. Transference, on the other hand, refers to the client's projection of feelings and attitudes toward the therapist based on their own past relationships. Crisis of accession does not relate specifically to therapeutic emotional reactions and is not a commonly recognized term in analytic theory. Relational dynamics generally describe the interactions and relationships between the therapist and the client but do not specifically address the therapist's emotional reactions stemming from their history. Thus, countertransference is the most accurate term in this context.