Interpretation and Working through Contemptuous Facial Micro-Expressions Benefits the Patient-Therapist Relationship.

Introduction: The significance of psychotherapeutic micro-processes, such as nonverbal facial expressions and relationship quality, is widely known, yet hitherto has not been investigated satisfactorily. In this exploratory study, we aim to examine the occurrence of micro-processes during psychotherapeutic treatment sessions, specifically facial micro-expressions, in order to shed light on their impact on psychotherapeutic interactions and patient-clinician relationships.

Methods: In analyzing 22 video recordings of psychiatric interviews in a routine/acute psychiatric care unit of Vienna General Hospital, we were able to investigate clinicians' and patients' facial micro-expressions in conjunction with verbal interactions and types.

Transference and countertransference: A review.

Originally a psychodynamic concept, the therapeutic relationship (also therapeutic alliance, helping alliance or simply alliance) has become a pan-theoretical model for the professional relationship between a therapist and his or her client (Kivlighan, 1995). With the development of this concept in the latter half of the 20th century, psychotherapeutic theory and practice saw a paradigm shift away from strict adherence to technique with little room for responsive, individual behavior from the therapist and toward the "authentic" human relationship at the core of therapy. This meant that more consideration was given to the idea of mutual influence from patient and therapist to the success of therapy (Safran & Muran, 2006).

Empathy in Psychoanalysis and Medical Education - what can we learn from each other?

Background: Several research areas, including medical education (ME), focus on empathy as an important topic in interpersonal relationships. This focus is central to the use of communication skills related to empathy and even more crucial to provide information in a way that makes patients feel more involved in the treatment process. Psychoanalysis (PA) provides its initial concept of empathy based on affective aspects including findings from neuroscience and brain research.

Dimensions of Activity in Countertransference and Therapist Reactions: Therapist Reactions During Sessions with Depressed Patients.

Objectives: This paper presents the interaction structure between the therapist's countertransference and the patient's affect based on identified dimensions of how therapists feel and react during sessions with depressed patients.

Methods: 639 sessions were audio-recorded and rated by trained raters. These recordings were obtained from the Munich Psychotherapy Study and analyzed with the PQS, the AREQ, and the TRQ/CTQ.

Effects of carvedilol on right ventricular function in chronic heart failure.

This study investigated the effects of carvedilol on right ventricular (RV) volume and systolic function in chronic heart failure patients. Carvedilol treatment resulted in a significant improvement of RV ejection fraction and systolic performance, which paralleled the improvement of systolic function demonstrated in the left ventricle.