Drs. Andres Perez-Rojas and Jazmin Gonzalez have recently published this outstanding theoretical piece comparing cultural comfort and countertransference. Congratulations on this outstanding work!
Abstract
In this article, we compare the concepts of cultural comfort and countertransference. Cultural comfort refers to the therapist’s ease and nondefensiveness when discussing social or cultural topics with clients, whereas countertransference refers to the therapist’s reactions to clients rooted in the therapist’s unresolved conflicts or vulnerabilities. Although some scholars have suggested that these concepts overlap, we argue that they have meaningful theoretical differences that merit close attention. Both cultural comfort and countertransference may have similar triggers, manifestations, and effects in psychotherapy, but conceptually, the critical distinction is whether the therapist’s conflicts or vulnerabilities related to culture are implicated in their reactions. When this occurs, then the therapist’s experience of cultural comfort or discomfort can be viewed as a form of cultural countertransference, requiring careful management. To that end, we review a theoretical framework for considering important factors that can help therapists manage their cultural discomfort and cultural countertransference, and ultimately enhance their cultural comfort. These factors include the therapist’s understanding of themselves and their clients, their capacity for self-integration and emotion regulation during sessions, and the practice of cultural humility. To support our arguments and illustrate key points, we provide case examples from the literature and our own experiences as psychotherapists. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)
Impact Statement
Understanding the distinctions between cultural comfort and countertransference in psychotherapy is crucial for promoting multiculturally oriented psychotherapy. Recognizing when a therapist’s personal conflicts impact their reactions to clients helps improve cultural responsiveness and fosters a more inclusive therapeutic environment. By embracing factors like self-awareness, emotion regulation, and cultural humility, this work provides practical insights for therapists to navigate and enhance their cultural comfort, ultimately benefiting the well-being of diverse client populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)
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