Mindfulness meditation and countertransference in the therapeutic relationship: A small‐scale exploration of therapists' experiences using grounded theory methods

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDifficulties with containing or processing emotions brought up in the countertransference response have long been understood as having the potential to cause a rupture in the therapeutic relationship, often with damaging results for the client. As increasing numbers of psychotherapists are becoming interested in mindfulness meditation, and as evidence is building to suggest that mindfulness meditation is an effective way of relating to one's thoughts and emotions in a non‐judgemental and non‐reactive fashion, the effect this may be having on the processing of countertransference material seems a worthy area of investigation.MethodThis study explores the countertransference experiences of five psychotherapists who practised mindfulness meditation, using semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using a grounded theory methodology.ResultsA tentative conceptual understanding of the data was developed, indicating that therapists who practised mindfulness meditation were relating to countertransferential responses with an observing stance, a compassionately curious attitude and a holding of emotion, which brings them into the present moment, resulting in the experience of a deeper therapeutic relationship.DiscussionThe implications for training and practice are discussed, through the potential of practising mindfulness to cultivate a therapeutic attitude towards countertransference responses.