Transference-countertransference repetitions of traumatic affects.

Some patients defend against all affective experiencing, which limits their ability to process feelings verbally. When they establish such defenses to cope with early traumatic experiences, they may need to repeat the affective tone of these experiences within the transference. Using case material, the author explore ways that therapists can utilize the transference-countertransference matrix--particularly their own affective responses in the hour--to help patients to know these experiences.