In this reflective and educational episode of Project I Am, Dr. David Schlosz explores the profound role of transference and countertransference in the therapeutic relationship—unpacking how these often misunderstood dynamics can become powerful tools for growth, insight, and healing.

Through the lens of Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT) and the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), David breaks down how the therapist-client relationship becomes a living classroom—one where old wounds show up in the room and where genuine connection creates the conditions for change. With real clinical vignettes, current research, and candid reflections from his own experience as a therapist and educator, David guides counseling students and emerging therapists through the art of staying present, relationally attuned, and grounded in the “now” of the therapeutic encounter.

This episode challenges listeners to move beyond technique and theory into the heart of the work: the relationship itself. Whether you're navigating the emotional pull of countertransference or helping a client rewrite an old relational story, this episode will inspire you to lean into the complexities of the therapeutic process with humility, courage, and grace.

This episode is ideal for Counseling graduate students, early-career therapists, supervisors, and anyone curious about the transformative potential of authentic therapeutic connection.

Listen now and discover how the relationship is the therapy.

• Miller, J.B. & Stiver, I. (1991). A Relational Reframing of Therapy. Stone Center Colloquium. (Perspectives on reframing transference/countertransference in a relational context)growthinconnection.orggrowthinconnection.org
• Grow Therapy (2024). What is Relational Therapy? – Discussion of transference and countertransference as tools in relational-cultural therapygrowtherapy.comgrowtherapy.com
• Edgewood Health Network (2022). Exploring NARM: A Complementary Model for Healing Developmental Trauma – NARM training insights on the importance of working with transference and countertransference in treating relational traumaedgewoodhealthnetwork.com
• LaPierre, A. & Heller, L. (2018). The Capacity for Connection in Healing Developmental Trauma. (Discussion of the challenge of transference in early trauma therapy and the need for nervous system stabilization)neuroaffectivetouch.com
• Havens, R., et al. (2022). Managing Transference and Countertransference in CBT Supervision. Dove Medical Press. (Contains meta-analytic findings: effective countertransference management linked to better therapy outcomes)pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Additional: Various sources on mutuality, therapeutic alliance, and relational therapy principlespmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govgrowtherapy.com