Which term describes the process of examining feelings and responses, developing better coping skills, and achieving behavioral change in the working phase?

• A. Countertransference
• B. Transference
• C. Regression
• D. Exploitation

Answer: (D)

Countertransference is the therapist’s awareness and management of their own emotional reactions to the client. In the working phase, this self-examination helps the clinician remain effective, maintain appropriate boundaries, and respond in ways that support the client’s exploration of feelings, development of coping skills, and actual behavioral change. It’s about the therapist using insight into their own responses to guide the therapy, rather than projecting feelings onto the client. This is distinct from transference, where the client displaces feelings onto the therapist, from regression, a client defense, and from exploitation, which is unethical.