Final answer:
Counter-transference is when therapists project their own unresolved emotional issues onto their patients, which is a concept in the field of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. It requires self-awareness and supervision to handle effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Counter-transference is a concept in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis that refers to the therapist's emotional entanglement with the client. Originating from the theories of Sigmund Freud, counter-transference is the process by which therapists project their own unresolved conflicts onto their patients. It is akin to but distinct from transference, which is when the patient displaces feelings and attitudes onto the therapist.
The understanding of counter-transference has evolved, and it is now seen as an important tool that, when recognized and managed, can provide valuable insight into the therapeutic relationship and the client’s inner world. Defense mechanisms, like projection, are often involved in counter-transference, which requires the therapist to remain self-aware and receive regular supervision to maintain therapeutic integrity and efficacy.