Countertransference in counseling is best defined as:

Countertransference refers to the phenomenon where a counselor projects their own emotional feelings, experiences, and unresolved issues onto the client. This emotional involvement can manifest in various ways, such as feelings of love, anger, or frustration directed toward the client, which may not be a direct reaction to the client's behavior or situation. Recognizing and understanding countertransference is crucial for counselors to maintain professionalism and effectiveness in their role.

The counselor's emotional entanglement can influence the counseling relationship and the therapeutic process, potentially creating barriers to effective communication and support. Thus, it is important for counselors to identify and manage their own emotional responses to ensure that they do not compromise the integrity of the counseling process.