In reading “Psychodynamic Theory: The Essential Elements” by Jack Nathan, one of the first key elements that is pointed out is that the mind operates on both the unconscious and conscious levels (Davies, 2013). Furthermore, as it is stated, there is a dynamic relationship between these two levels of consciousness that result in powerful internal psychic conflicts (Davies, 2013, p. 463). Transference can be described as a phenomenon in which past experiences influence current ones, especially when an individual takes their preexisting views/feelings and transfers them onto someone else. Countertransference therefore is the opposite of this process. Moreover, it is the therapist’s emotional response to their client (Davies, 2013). However, our own personal emotions/issues can restrict our work with clients. Importantly within psychodynamic work, Because of the emphasis on making the unconscious conscious, the client has to have some capacity to take responsibility for these insights and therefore subsequent behaviours (Davies, 2013, p. 465).
