What is the term used when a counselor projects their own feelings or experiences onto a patient?

The term that describes when a counselor projects their own feelings or experiences onto a patient is countertransference. In the context of counseling and therapy, countertransference occurs when the counselor's own unresolved issues, emotions, or experiences influence their reactions and interactions with the client. This phenomenon can affect the therapeutic relationship and the counselor's ability to remain objective and focused on the client's needs.

Countertransference is critical to recognize and manage, as it can lead to biases in treatment and may cloud the counselor's judgment. Being aware of one’s own feelings and motivations allows the counselor to separate their experiences from those of the patient, ensuring that the care provided is truly centered on the patient’s concerns rather than the counselor’s personal feelings.

Transference, on the other hand, refers to the client's projection of their feelings, desires, and expectations from past relationships onto the counselor. While projection is a broad psychological concept and can occur in various contexts, it does not specifically pertain to the counselor's feelings towards the client. Reflection involves the counselor summarizing or paraphrasing the client's thoughts and feelings to demonstrate understanding and empathy, rather than projecting personal feelings onto the client.