What is it about?
This piece examines my clinical work with South Asian women affected by intimate partner violence and the cultural factors that influence their experiences and engagement in care. I describe how my own emotional responses, or countertransference, surfaced in therapy and how the “Principles of Salience” provided a framework to understand these dynamics and support patient-centered care.
Featured Image
Photo by Ibrahim Mushan on Unsplash
Why is it important?
South Asian survivors of intimate partner violence face significant cultural and structural barriers to disclosure and treatment. Clinicians working with this population may encounter complex emotional reactions that can influence the therapeutic process. This reflection underscores the importance of culturally responsive, trauma-informed psychotherapy and the value of examining countertransference to enhance safety, trust, and effective care.
Perspectives
This publication represents a meaningful step in my development as a psychiatrist. Reflecting on these cases allowed me to better recognize how my cultural background and emotional responses shape my clinical work. These insights continue to inform my approach to providing thoughtful, attuned, and culturally grounded care for women navigating trauma.
Sitara Soundararajan
Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Navigating Countertransference: Reflections on Treating South Asian Women Facing Intimate Partner Violence, American Journal of Psychotherapy, November 2025, American Psychiatric Association,
DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20250004.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
