THE MANIFESTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF STAFF COUNTERTRANSFERENCE ON A PEDIATRIC AIDS TEAM

The authors discuss the countertransference reactions that arise in st aff who work in a hospital outpatient clinic with children with HIV an d AIDS. Countertransference feelings such as guilt, anger, and helples sness can be easily aroused when working with a young, impoverished, d ying population. Factors that precipitate these feelings and their man ifestations are discussed, as well as the antitherapeutic effects of a cting on one's countertransference. Psychodynamic explanations are off ered for some of the more salient countertransference reactions. Final ly, suggestions are made for management of countertransference, such a s strong team leadership, ongoing support groups, and redefinition of therapeutic objectives.