Sibling Transference in Therapy: The Impact of Sibling Transference and Countertransference in Adult Psychotherapy - Paperback

by Marcy Stites (Author)

There is a large amount of psychoanalytic literature on the topic of transference in psychotherapy. However, until very recently surprisingly little attention has been paid to sibling transference phenomena. While discussion and case material is presented on parental transference in training programs for clinicians, there seems to be little information presented on the development or expression of transference related to siblings. Sisters and brothers can have a tremendous impact on an individual's development, relationships, and current functioning; therefore the lack of attention paid to sibling transference is puzzling. This book briefly reviews the literature available on the topic and the results of a pilot research study (Stites, 1997) examining sibling transference and countertransference in adult psychotherapy. This phenomenological study examined sibling transference and countertransference in adult psychotherapy. Areas of focus included how sibling transference might manifest, particular factors contributing to the development or eliciting sibling transference, some analytic dynamics of sibling transference, respondents experience of sibling transference in theory and training, birth order, and personal experiences of sibling issues relating to transference and countertransference.

Author Biography

Marcy Stites, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist. She also is an experienced school psychologist and school counselor. She has taught psychology, counseling, and developmental courses at the university and community counseling level for over 30 years. She has also worked in clinic and private practice settings as a psychotherapist and consultant since 1986. She has particular interest in neuropsychology, attachment concerns, and developmental process in therapy.