(By Hella Ahmed) To reduce psychology to psychoanalytic concepts such as transference and countertransference is to overlook the richness and diversity of this discipline. While these notions hold historical significance, they do not encompass the full range of tools available in contemporary psychology to address the needs of young people. Far from being confined to complex interpretations of the unconscious, modern psychology offers rigorous, evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and neuropsychology. These pragmatic methods, tailored to today’s challenges, provide concrete solutions to support young individuals and their families.

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The Limitations of Transference and Countertransference

Transference (the projection of a patient’s feelings, expectations, or past experiences onto the therapist) and countertransference (the therapist’s emotional reactions influenced by their own experiences) are foundational concepts in Freudian psychoanalysis, designed to explore the unconscious through the therapeutic relationship. However, their application can sometimes feel abstract or unsettling, particularly when therapists prioritize complex interpretations over empathetic and practical listening.

By emphasizing these concepts, there is a risk of confusing parents, potentially steering them toward psychoanalytic therapists when approaches like CBT—proven effective for treating anxiety, depression, or ADHD in young people—or neuropsychological interventions, grounded in neuroscience to understand cognitive disorders, are often far more suitable.

This focus on psychoanalytic terminology can sometimes appear as a deliberate attempt to promote an outdated view of therapy, at the expense of scientifically validated, practical options that truly meet the needs of young people and their families.

Modern Approaches Tailored to Contemporary Needs

Approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies better align with contemporary expectations. They emphasize:

1. Active and empathetic listening, centered on the patient’s expressed needs.

2. Practical tools (e.g., emotion regulation, cognitive restructuring) to address anxiety, fear, or feelings of helplessness.

3. An egalitarian collaboration between patient and therapist, avoiding the impression of an imposed “psychic authority.”

These modern approaches, better suited to today’s needs, prioritize patient autonomy and measurable outcomes, while occasionally incorporating elements of transference in a less intrusive way, such as acknowledging relational dynamics. This meets the demand for pragmatic, immediate assistance without being encumbered by interpretive scenarios that may feel disconnected.

Clinging to outdated concepts without adapting to current realities risks offering services that are out of touch with patients’ concrete needs. Young people and their families do not need a therapist lost in internal speculations or imagined scenarios, but a professional who provides tangible solutions rooted in a clear, contemporary understanding of their challenges.

In CBT and neuropsychology, concepts like transference and countertransference are replaced by more concrete and empirical notions, such as the therapeutic alliance, cognitive schemas, emotional regulation, and the neurobiological foundations of interactions.

A Diversity of Approaches for Personalized Support

Beyond CBT and neuropsychology, modern psychology offers a rich array of therapies tailored to individuals’ unique needs. Solution-focused and humanistic therapies foster a positive, practical approach to mental health, while psychological coaching empowers clients to set achievable goals and build autonomy.

Mindfulness-based therapies, supported by studies showing significant reductions in anxiety and depression promote emotional regulation. Innovative approaches, such as movement-based or sports therapies, have proven highly effective for managing stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly in young people, by leveraging physical activity to enhance mental resilience.

These evidence-based methods, widely implemented in clinical settings, schools, and community programs, are accessible through in-person sessions, teletherapy, or even school-based initiatives, ensuring broad reach. By offering personalized, effective support, they meet clients’ expectations and foster lasting well-being.

A Psychology Firmly Oriented Toward the Future

Modern psychology transcends traditional psychoanalytic concepts like transference and countertransference, favoring empirical and measurable approaches such as the therapeutic alliance, cognitive schemas, and emotional regulation. These methods, grounded in scientific advancements, offer practical and effective solutions for young people and their families. While integrative approaches, such as mentalization, create bridges with classical concepts, they reframe them in a language that is more accessible and aligned with the demands of our time.

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