Collusion Revisited: A Narrative Review of Dyadic Collusions

Abstract Collusion is a specific and potentially harmful transference-countertransference interaction. At its core an unconscious, unresolved issue shared by two or more participants, who are interlocked in defensive maneuver. The at stake, which avoided the intrapsychic level, externalized, circulating interpersonal space, may pertain to control, intimacy, loss, domination, among other possibilities. occurs not only psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, psychiatry, medicine but also couples both within between groups. This critical narrative review based on comprehensive consultation of literature our experiences as psychotherapists, supervisors, researchers. We situate delineate collusion, engage dialog with question some conceptual aspects collusion. aim this stimulate interest clinicians, researchers somewhat neglected phenomenon demonstrate illustrate challenges pitfalls that clinicians face collusive encounters. Finally, we provide clues identify ways working through collusion context psychotherapy supervision.