ABSTRACT
The transference/counter-transference relationship, because the infantile and child parts of both analyst and patient are involved, tends to be profoundly influenced by the talion law. Corresponding to Fordham's distinction between illusory and syntonic counter-transference, Racker distinguishes between the neurotic counter-transference and counter-transference proper. The neurotic counter-transference in this case renders him impotent as an analyst. Comparing Racker's concept of the neurotic counter-transference with Fordham's concept of the illusory counter-transference, analysts agree over the illusory aspects of the counter-transference, but it is not certain whether the two concepts overlap in all respects. Racker is concerned with the understanding of counter-transference from the point of view of the inner experience of the analyst and how his handling of it influences the transference of the patient. In the concordant counter-transference, the analyst identifies his ego with the patient's ego, and each part of his personality with the corresponding part of the patient's personality.
