Neurotic dependency in successful women

Women and a changing society: implications for transference/countertransference

The word feminism conveys a variety of definitions, attitudes, and behaviours in contemporary society. Thus, the psychotherapist must clarify the woman's definition of this term and examine personal knowledge regarding the changing roles of women and men. Three categories of factors are discussed that affect the woman's self-determination, creativity, cooperativeness in therapy and her decision about goals. These factors include female identity formation within the family, level of autonomy development, and transference/countertransference issues. Four case histories illustrate the complex interactions of these factors. The vignettes emphasize the crucial importance of the psychotherapeutic alliance in a changing society where conflict exists about appropriate ways to express authenticity.

The professional woman as patient: a review and an appeal

The unique problems that the professional woman brings to therapy are presented here. It is the author's contention that the career woman's difficulties are not adequately realized or understood by many male therapists. Many of these patients are disappointed with or highly critical of their therapy with male psychiatrists. Two sub-groups of professional women are described: the married professional woman and the unattached professional woman. There are critical sex-role relate issues and countertransference problems which arise with the male therapist: professional woman patient dyad. Other implications for male psychiatrists are outlined and suggestions offered toward therapist enlightenment.