The Father-Daughter Dilemma: Incest and Counter-Incest

Counter-incest victims are daughters whose fathers turn away in apparently cold rejection as the daughters reach adolescence and incestuous impulses arise in both father and daughter. This action, a defensive reaction formation on the father's part, leads to a negative self-image for the daughter. Mother's jealousy and competitiveness may aggravate the situation. The script decision, racket displays, and reinforcing experiencing of these victims are discussed, as are some of the treatment remedies needed by male and female therapists helping their patients replay this period to a healthier outcome.