A counselor who is obsessed with the fact that a client missed his or her session is the victim of what?

• A. Countertransference
• B. Transference
• C. Projection
• D. Resistance

Answer: (A)

Countertransference is when a clinician’s own unresolved feelings are triggered by a client’s behavior, causing the therapist to react in ways that reflect the therapist’s issues rather than the client’s situation. In this case, being obsessed with a client missing a session shows the counselor’s emotions about the situation are clouding judgment—perhaps tapping into fears of abandonment, guilt, or responsibility—rather than objectively evaluating the client’s needs. This preoccupation can distort interpretation and response, not staying focused on the client’s current concerns or therapeutic goals. The other terms describe different dynamics: transference is the client directing feelings toward the therapist; projection is attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts to others; resistance is the client’s reluctance to engage. The scenario best illustrates countertransference. To manage this, supervision and self-reflection help the therapist maintain boundaries and objectivity.