ABSTRACT
Counter transference has become one of the most important and most useful tools in psychoanalytic work. Observation can teach the observer a great deal, about child development, family interaction, and different care-giving styles in racial and cultural settings, but above all trainees learn about counter transference. When trainees present their observation material, they are talking about situations in which they are not expected to intervene or interpret but are expected to respond as a concerned human being, a participant observer. In order to work effectively with children, young people, adults, groups, or organizations, one need to know, understand, and be able to use one's counter transference. Working with children, young children of 5 years and under, highlights the importance of counter transference. The most important consideration when thinking about the counter transference in working with children and adolescents is how well one can observe oneself.
