Michael Blumenfield, M.D. I think it is interesting that most of us experienced our own classical analysis and may have performed to varying degrees classical analysis where the patient lies on the couch and there is no eye contact with the therapist ! For many this was or may still be the gold standard. Even when there […]
The Coronavirus Epidemic: Transference and Countertransference Considerations With Remote Therapy Michael Blumenfield, M.D. The Coronavirus epidemic has forced psychotherapists to see patients remotely as we are forced to follow social distancing and in many cases remain quarantined. I and others have made the case that remote sessions via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Doxy, and other systems […]
The following is an extended version of a talk given by Dr. Michael Blumenfield at the World Psychiatric Meeting in Madrid Spain on September 15, 2014 Introductory Case : I would like to start off with a case history The patient is a 21 year old woman who has some paralysis in the right upper […]
The Internet has changed referral patterns for psychotherapy. Whereas in the past many therapists tried to keep information about themselves hidden, now days with the Internet it would be very difficult to do this. Rather than rely on referrals by other doctors, patients locate doctors as well as information about them via the Internet. The relationship to transference issues is also discussed.
This blog examines that situation where a psychotherapist realizes that he or she doesn’t like a particular patient. The therapist needs to understand this feeling within him or herself. Referring the patient to a colleague is discussed as an option as well as getting help from a colleague or supervisor in sorting out these feelings. The awareness of negative feelings and countertransference by the therapist can helpful in doing effective psychotherapy.