In this paper I try to elucidate the variety of counter-reactions the analyst experiences within the psychoanalytic dyadic interaction. In doing so I attempt to understand the reasons why the concept of countertransference and its effects on the treatment have been clouded by the confusion and disagreement which still prevail in the literature. Finally, I attempt to differentiate among different counter-reactions, trace their origins within the dyad of analyst-analysand and establish their potential usefulness as well as possible deleterious effects on the development and outcome of the treatment.