The Analyst’s Counter-Resistance: Identifying an Obscure Dynamic in the Analytic Relationship
Presented by William Alexy, Ph.D.
Description
Conceptualizations of the analyst’s counter-transference have evolved over the past several decades, ever since Jung first identified counter-transference as a valuable tool in our understanding of the analyst-patient relationship. Counter-resistance refers specifically to those elements in the analyst’s experience of the patient that manifest in attitudes and behaviors that hinder therapeutic gains. Counter-resistance is at play in all analytic relationships. Clinical vignettes will be presented that highlight the identification and resolution of counter-resistance. Recommendations will also be made for identifying counter-resistance in our clinical practices.
Learning objectives
Describe what is meant by fixed and developing perspectives in the context of counter-resistance.
Identify three types of counter-resistance that have been reported in the non-Jungian and Jungian psychoanalytic literature.
Discuss three questions that analysts can ask themselves to assist in identifying and resolving counter-resistance.
Readings
Alexy, W.D. (2025) The analyst’s counter-resistance: identifying an obscure dynamic in the analytic relationship. International Journal of Jungian Studies, 1-22.
Jung, C.G. (1931) Commentary on “The Secret of the Golden Flower.” CW 13: Alchemical Studies. Read especially par. 13-26.
Jung, C.G. (1946) The psychology of the transference. CW 16: The Practice of Psychotherapy. Read especially par. 399-401.
Racker, H. (1968) Counter-resistance and interpretation. In Racker, H. (1982) Transference and Countertransference. NY: Routledge.
Schoenewolf, G. (1993) Counterresistance. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson.
Strean, H.S. (1993) Resolving Counterresistances in Psychotherapy. NY: Brunner/Mazel.
Presenter Bio
Dr. Bill Alexy is a private practice psychologist and Jungian analyst with a home-based office in Indianapolis, Indiana (USA). He sees mostly adults in his clinical practice who struggle with life transitions that involve debilitating suffering from major loss. He currently teaches in the Analyst Training Program at the Jung Institute of Chicago and has taught Rorschach personality assessment at the University of Indianapolis and Indiana University – Bloomington. Dr. Alexy is a member of the Indiana Psychological Association, the Chicago Society of Jungian Analysts, and the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts.
