Name
Managing Emotional Dynamics: Transference and Countertransference in Case Management
Description

This session from the Case Management Society of America focuses on the emotional side of case management work, especially the often-unspoken dynamics of transference and countertransference. It helps participants understand how clients’ past experiences and emotions can shape their interactions—and how case managers’ own emotional responses can influence care. The training offers practical guidance on recognizing these patterns early, setting healthy boundaries, and responding thoughtfully rather than reactively. Overall, it’s designed to strengthen self-awareness, improve professional relationships, and support more effective, compassionate case management practice.

Speakers
Geovanni Vazquez PhD Vazquez, PhD
Content Level
Intermediate
Tags
Care management, Cultural Safety and Humility, Patient-centered care or Patient perspectives
Session Type
Poster
Objective 1
Define transference and countertransference in the context of patient and family interactions.
Objective 2
Identify common signs of transference and countertransference in clinical encounters.
Objective 3
Apply strategies to manage personal reactions, maintain professional boundaries, and promote effective patient advocacy.
Content Reference 1

Abargil, M., & Tishby, O. (2022). Countertransference awareness and treatment outcome. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 69(5), 667.

Content Reference 2

Comas-Díaz, L., & Jacobsen, F. M. (1991). Ethnocultural transference and countertransference in the therapeutic dyad. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 61(3), 392–402

Content Reference 3

Gabbard, G. O. (2017). Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Basic Text (2nd ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

Content Reference 4

Gelso, C. J., & Hayes, J. A. (2007). Countertransference and the Therapist's Inner Experience: Perils and Possibilities. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Content Reference 5

Tishby, O., & Wiseman, H. (2022). Countertransference types and their relation to rupture and repair in the alliance. Psychotherapy Research, 32(1), 29–44