Countertransference in the treatment of borderline personality disorder

The concept of countertransference reaction has undergone dramatic changes in definition since its inception at the turn of the century. It has become central to building the therapeutic alliance. However, countertransference can interfere with therapeutic task, and this is especially true in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. The recognition, analysis and management of countertransference reactions is a necessary and life long professional task for any psychiatrist. This paper presents countertransference difficulties in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.