Browsing by Author "Friedman, Graeme Ross"

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    Counter-transference phenomena in the white clinician : a hermeneutic investigation of cross-racial psychotherapy in South Africa
    (1985) Friedman, Graeme Ross; Foster, Don
    This is a psychodynamic study of the white clinician's countertransference in cross-racial psychotherapy. Available evidence indicates that racial conflicts, despite their salience in South Africa, are rarely addressed in psychotherapy practice, training or research. The research that has been conducted is reviewed and the limitations of the natural scientific paradigm are discussed. Hermeneutics - the art of interpretation - is presented as a more appropriate methodology for the study of human beings. The researcher conducted one unstructured interview with each of seven 'liberal', white therapists (six clinical psychologist, three of each sex, and one female psychiatric social worker) regarding their experience of cross-racial psychotherapy. The interview protocols are reflected upon and the common themes explicated and described. Three primary themes emerge, regarding, amongst other phenomena, the participants' feelings of 'white guilt' and their inhibition of the expression of 'black anger', feelings of helplessness and sexual conflicts. General defensive approaches adopted by the clinicians include the use of their professional role and of patient characteristics, the adoption of directive approaches and the practice of overcompensation. Defence mechanisms employed include those of intellectualisation, displacement, denial, rationalisation and projection. The need to make reparation is pervasive. A Kleinian analysis of 'white guilt' is presented and the researcher's role as interviewer is reflected upon. Implications of the results for practice, training and research are discussed. Amongst these are the need for formal training and self-reflection, suggestions with regard to attuning oneself to countertransference and with regard to the handling of cross-racial therapy, the presentation of research possibilities and a discussion regarding the clinician's political role. It is concluded that, in many cases, cross-racial psychotherapy can be effective and that the chances of its success are enhanced by the tackling of counter-transference and other racial barriers.