A Dissertation Study

In the 18th century, mesmerists observed a relational phenomenon occurring between magnetizers and their patients. They referred to this phenomenon as magnetic rapport. Around this same time, magnetizers also became aware of a reciprocal phenomenon occurring in the interrelational field that they termed magnetic reciprocity. This bi-direction process, functioning in the interpersonal field, for both magnetizers and patients, was assumed to be part and parcel to the healing process.

In the 19th century Sigmund Freud became aware of a similar phenomena occurring in psychoanalysis. He termed these phenomena transference and countertransference respectively. Since that time, the terms have been used to explain a universal interrelational process that is central to psychoanalytic treatment.

For more than one-hundred years, the field of psychology has envisioned practitioner countertransference as a useful tool to better help practitioners understand the unconscious of their patients. While this may be true, there may be more to the story. As of now, virtually none of the literature or empirical studies conducted have examined how a practitioner’s biopsychosocial and historical factors influence their dyadic relationships. This study aims to explore the relational field with this gap in mind.