This study explored Jungian analysts\u27 experiences of countertransference (CT) using the qualitative method interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). The purpose of this study was to better understand how Jungian analysts experience, understand, make use of, and manage CT in daily practice. Six certified Jungian analysts were interviewed about their CT experiences from their analytic work with a past client. The study\u27s main findings were that CT originated primarily from analysts\u27 personal wounds and tended to manifest as analysts\u27 disengagement or withdrawal from the client. Furthermore, analysts often used awareness and understanding of their CT to better manage CT. The nature of the therapeutic relationship was often influenced by CT and also emerged as an important factor in analytic process and outcome. Finally, this study found that contextual factors such as time, culture, and spiritual elements were key influences in the transference-countertransference dynamic. Overall, this study represents a step towards developing an empirical understanding of CT in Jungian models and hopefully facilitates a long-overdue dialogue between Jungians and mainstream practitioners, particularly those adhering to relational or interpersonal approaches
