Psychotherapy: countertransference: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Psychotherapy: countertransference

Sample item

A therapist notices strong irritation and an urge to rescue a particular patient, reminding him of his own father. This reaction is

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Countertransference

Countertransference is the therapist's emotional reaction to the patient, drawn from the therapist's own unresolved conflicts or evoked by the patient. Recognising it is essential, with supervision. Transference is the patient's redirection of feelings from past figures onto the therapist.

Option by option

  • A. Resistance

    Resistance is the patient's opposition to uncovering unconscious material.

  • B. Countertransference (correct)

    Correct. The therapist's emotional response is countertransference.

  • C. Projection by the patient

    Projection by the patient is a patient defence.

  • D. Transference

    Transference is the patient's reaction.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, Countertransference. Countertransference is the therapist's emotional reaction to the patient, drawn from the therapist's own unresolved conflicts or evoked by the patient.

Why is "Resistance" not the answer?

Resistance is the patient's opposition to uncovering unconscious material.

Why is "Projection by the patient" not the answer?

Projection by the patient is a patient defence.

Why is "Transference" not the answer?

Transference is the patient's reaction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychotherapy: countertransference in Psychiatry. Recognising it is essential, with supervision. Transference is the patient's redirection of feelings from past figures onto the therapist.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychotherapy: countertransference?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.