La dynamique transféro-contre-transférentielle entre clinicien et patient à l’épreuve d’un événement traumatique commun

Abstract

This article focuses on the transference-countertransference dynamic between clinicians and patients in the context where they experienced the same traumatic event. This paper takes into account a clinical experiment carried out in a makeshift camp in Haiti after the earthquake of January 12, 2010. It is a post-coup analysis of a program of psychological treatment for earthquake victims living in the Pax Villa camp. The population under care included women, men, young people, families, and children. Two clinical vignettes were selected for an analysis of the fundamental role of transference and countertransference in the therapeutic relationship in this traumatic context. This experience enabled us to understand that the fact that the clinician has witnessed and experienced the same traumatic event can contribute to the underpinning of the trusting relationship and the therapeutic process. We also understood that the transference countertransference relationship in this setting takes place between similarity and distance. To limit the harmful impact of the patient's emotional responses that are simultaneously echoed by the clinician, it is essential to work out the clinician's countertransference.