Implications of countertransference for the religious therapist and client

The problem of countertransference in relation to the additional hypothetical variable of the interreligious bond between observant Jewish therapists and clients is examined and the hypothesis suggested that though such complications must be considered potential and do manifest occasionally, the isolated factor of brotherly love and its related ethos usually draws its negative potential from other neurotic or non-neurotic dynamics which, in turn, can be controlled through various therapeutic techniques. A genuine affection based on deeper religious-emotional ties, assuming that it can be safeguarded in the working alliance, is not necessarily countertransference.