This study aimed to explore the meaning and essential structure of countertransference management experiences in counselors who practice mindfulness meditation. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight experienced counselors, and the results were...
This study aimed to explore the meaning and essential structure of countertransference management experiences in counselors who practice mindfulness meditation. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight experienced counselors, and the results were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological method. The analysis revealed four core components and twelve sub-components: “losing professional grounding by reacting without recognizing countertransference,” “identifying countertransference within relationships with other professionals,” “accepting countertransference through healing experiences in mindfulness meditation,” and “intervening flexibly and integratively with a co-regulated mindful stance.” Initially, participants lost their professional grounding due to unrecognized countertransference. Later, through relationships with other professionals, they began to develop self awareness of this loss. Following this, participants accepted their countertransference by fully experiencing its meaning through healing experiences during mindfulness meditation. Based on these findings, this study discusses the implications for enhancing counselor's professional development and presents a number of suggestions and discusses limitations for future research.