Ethnocultural transference and countertransference in the therapeutic dyad

Abstract

The relevance and validity of ethnocultural factors in transference and countertransference reactions are proposed. Some of those prevalent in dyadic psychotherapy are described, focusing on intra-ethnic and inter-ethnic dyads. Case vignettes are presented to illustrate the ways in which ethnocultural factors serve as catalysts for such major therapeutic issues as trust, ambivalence, anger, and acceptance of disparate parts of the self.