Which of the following best describes the relationship?

Over the past year, the relations between a massage therapist and a client has grown friendly. There are times when both parties talk during the massage session and sometimes things are shared that are beyond the regular scope of practice. Lately, the client, who openly talks about his financial success in business, has been having difficulties with the construction workers who are building the client’s dream home. The massage therapist, who lives in an apartment, has recently become irritated by the client’s personal problems and is having a difficult time performing her duties as a massage therapist.

Which of the following best describes the relationship?
A . A dual relationship
B. Transference
C. Countertransference
D. Indifference

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

Countertransference is when a practitioner projects feelings or emotions onto a client. In this case, the massage practitioner is most likely jealous of the client’s fortunes and has lost the ability to be a compassionate professional towards them. If this were a dual relationship, the two parties would be engaging each other outside of the treatment office.