Transference
OVERVIEW
Transference is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within the therapeutic relationship, where a person redirects their emotions, desires and expectations onto the therapist or another person.[1] Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, coined the concept of transference in 1895; it remains a vital aspect of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies.[2]
Transference is a complex experience within psychotherapy that plays an important role in understanding the unconscious processes and relational patterns of individuals. By recognizing and working through transference, therapists help clients gain insights into their unresolved emotional conflicts, leading to personal growth, increased self-awareness and improved overall well-being.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Transference refers to the unconscious process of transferring feelings and attitudes from one person, typically from past significant relationships, onto another person.[3] It involves the projection of unresolved emotions, needs, and conflicts onto the therapist or another individual. This projection often resembles the dynamics of previous relationships. Transference can occur in various ways, such as positive or negative emotions, idealization, anger, dependency or romantic feelings.[4]
THEORIES OF TRANSFERENCE
Freudian Theory: Sigmund Freud first introduced the concept of transference in psychoanalysis. He believed that transference arises from repressed childhood experiences and unresolved conflicts.[5] Freud considered transference to be an important tool for uncovering unconscious material and working through unresolved issues.
Object Relations Theory: This theory emphasizes the role of early relationships in shaping an individual's psychological development.[6] Transference is seen as a reflection of internalized representations of significant others, or "objects," that influence following relationships.
Self-Psychology: Proposed by Heinz Kohut, self-psychology focuses on the development of a cohesive self-identity.[7] Transference in self-psychology is seen as a way for individuals to seek validation, affirmation and self-cohesion from the therapist by mirroring their unmet needs from early relationships.
APPLICATIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Transference holds significant therapeutic value in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapies. Understanding and interpreting transference can provide insights into a client's unconscious conflicts, relational patterns and unresolved emotional issues. By working through transference, therapists help clients gain self-awareness, explore repressed material and resolve past traumas.[8]
Transference can impact the therapeutic process positively or negatively. Positive transference, such as admiration or trust, can foster a strong therapeutic relationship, enabling clients to engage more openly in therapy.[9] Whereas, negative transference, characterized by anger or mistrust, provides opportunities for therapists to address unresolved issues and facilitate emotional growth.[10]
It is important for therapists to maintain professional boundaries while navigating transference. Understanding transference also allows therapists to avoid countertransference, where their own emotional reactions may interfere with the therapeutic process.[11] Within the context of therapy or counseling, countertransference refers to the therapist's emotional reactions, feelings, and attitudes toward the client. These responses are triggered by the client's behavior, issues, or characteristics, and they may be conscious or unconscious.
Countertransference occurs when the therapist's unresolved issues, biases, or feelings from their own life begin to influence their perception, judgment or reactions toward the client.[12] It can manifest in various ways, such as over-identifying with the client, feeling a strong emotional reaction towards the client, becoming overly invested in the client's progress or feeling frustrated or irritated by the client's behavior.
Managing countertransference is crucial in therapy because personal emotions can interfere with the therapeutic process and can hinder the client's progress. By addressing and processing their countertransference, therapists can provide a more effective and objective therapeutic environment for their clients, helping them to work through their challenges more effectively.[13]
Learn more about Interpersonal Transference here.
Contributed by: Jordan Denaver
Editor: Jennifer (Ghahari) Smith, Ph.D.
REFERENCES
1 Freud, S. (1912). Recommendations to physicians practicing psycho-analysis. Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, 12, 109-120.
2 Makari G. J. (1994). Toward an intellectual history of transference. 1888-1900. The Psychiatric clinics of North America, 17(3), 559–570.
3 Gabbard, G. O. (2005). Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy: A basic text. American Psychiatric Publishing.
4 Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Transference. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/transference
5 Freud (1912)
6 Mitchell, S. A., & Black, M. J. (1995). Freud and beyond: A history of modern psychoanalytic thought. Basic Books.
7 Kohut, H. (1959). Introspection, empathy, and the semi-circle of mental health. International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 40(4-5), 418-428.
8 Transference (n.d.)
9 Mitchell & Black (1995)
10 Ibid.
11 Gabbard (2005)
12 Heaning, E. (2023). Countertransference in therapy: Types, examples, and how to deal. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/countertransference.html
13 Ibid.