Am J Psychiatry 1982; 139:1599-1600
Copyright © 1982 by American Psychiatric Association
Anniversary reactions in therapists
RB Granet and TP Kalman
The authors provide three case examples of anniversary reactions in
psychotherapists evoked in the course of treating patients. They note that
psychotherapy has always been discussed in terms of time and phases, which
lend themselves to periodicities and may provide the potential for
anniversary phenomena. The authors recommend that therapists be aware of
such phenomena; monitor their own losses, defenses, and dreams; and
continue their own supervision. Possible positive aspects of identification
of therapists' anniversary reactions are increased empathy with patients
and help in completing unresolved therapeutic and personal issues.
