Transference in Psychology: Definition and Effects

Transference is a phenomenon in psychology where a person’s feelings, attitudes, and expectations from a past relationship are unconsciously transferred onto a current or new relationship, particularly one involving a therapist or authority figure.

This transfer of emotions can include positive or negative feelings, such as love, anger, mistrust, or fear. It can influence the way the person perceives and interacts with the new relationship. For example, a patient may transfer their feelings towards a parent onto their therapist, resulting in an intense attachment or hostility towards the therapist.

Transference is considered a normal part of the therapeutic process, as it provides insights into the patient’s unresolved issues and helps to build a stronger therapeutic relationship. However, if it is not recognized and appropriately managed, it can interfere with the effectiveness of therapy and lead to negative outcomes.

Signs of Transference

Transference can manifest in many different ways, and the signs of transference can vary depending on the individual and the therapeutic relationship. Here are some common signs of transference:

• Over-idealization: A person may idealize their therapist, seeing them as perfect or infallible. This may be a sign of transference, as the person is projecting their own idealized image of a parent or other authority figure onto the therapist.
• Overdependence: A person may become overly dependent on their therapist, seeking constant reassurance or support. This may be a sign of transference, as the person is seeking the emotional validation or approval they may not have received from a parent or other authority figure.
• Hostility or anger: A person may become hostile or angry towards their therapist, even if the therapist has done nothing wrong. This may be a sign of transference, as the person is projecting their own unresolved anger or resentment towards a parent or other authority figure onto the therapist.
• Romantic or sexual attraction: A person may develop romantic or sexual feelings towards their therapist, even if the therapist is of a different gender or sexual orientation. This may be a sign of transference, as the person is projecting their own unresolved sexual or romantic feelings onto the therapist.
• Resistance or avoidance: A person may resist or avoid certain topics or exercises in therapy, even if they know they are important for their progress. This may be a sign of transference, as the person is avoiding the emotional pain or discomfort associated with confronting unresolved emotional conflicts.

These signs of transference are not necessarily a sign of a failed therapeutic relationship but rather an opportunity to explore and work through underlying emotional conflicts. By recognizing and addressing transference, a person can gain insight into their own emotions and develop new coping strategies for managing them.

Types of Transference in Psychology

Several different types of transference can occur in psychology:

• Positive transference: This occurs when a person transfers positive feelings from a past relationship onto a current relationship. For example, a patient who had a good relationship with their parent may transfer feelings of trust and love onto their therapist.
• Negative transference: This occurs when a person transfers negative feelings from a past relationship onto a current relationship. For example, a patient who had a difficult relationship with their parent may transfer feelings of anger and mistrust onto their therapist.
• Erotic transference: This occurs when a patient develops sexual or romantic feelings for their therapist. This can happen when the patient is seeking emotional intimacy and begins to view the therapist as a potential romantic partner.
• Idealizing transference: This occurs when a patient idealizes their therapist, projecting onto them qualities or abilities that the patient wishes they had themselves. This can happen when the patient is seeking guidance or looking for a role model.
• Hostile transference: This occurs when a patient becomes hostile or angry towards their therapist, often due to unresolved feelings from past relationships. This can happen when the patient feels threatened by the therapist or when the therapist inadvertently triggers feelings of anger or resentment in the patient.
• Self-object transference: This occurs when a patient uses the therapist as a way to validate their own sense of self or identity. This can happen when the patient has low self-esteem or is struggling with issues related to their identity.

Transference in Therapy

Transference can play an important role in the therapeutic process. When a patient transfers feelings from a past relationship onto their therapist, it can provide valuable information about the patient’s unresolved emotional conflicts and can help to build a stronger therapeutic relationship.

For example, if a patient transfers feelings of anger onto their therapist, the therapist can explore these feelings with the patient to understand where they are coming from and how they can be addressed. This can help the patient to gain insight into their emotional conflicts and develop new coping strategies.

The therapist can also use transference as a way to facilitate emotional healing. If the patient is able to transfer positive feelings from a past relationship onto the therapeutic relationship, it can provide a safe space for the patient to explore and process their emotions. By building a positive relationship with the therapist, the patient can begin to build trust and develop new ways of relating to others.

However, therapists need to be aware of the potential risks of transference. If transference is not recognized or managed properly, it can interfere with the effectiveness of therapy and lead to negative outcomes. Therapists must be trained to recognize and address transference professionally and ethically.

What Is Countertransference?

Countertransference is a phenomenon in psychology where a therapist’s own unresolved emotional conflicts are transferred onto the patient. It occurs when the therapist has an emotional response to the patient that is based on the therapist’s own history and emotions rather than on the patient’s current situation.

Countertransference can be unconscious and can manifest in different ways. For example, a therapist may feel frustrated with a patient who reminds them of a difficult family member or may feel overly protective of a patient who reminds them of a younger sibling. These emotions can impact the therapist’s ability to provide effective therapy and may even harm the patient.

To prevent countertransference, therapists must be aware of their own emotional reactions to their patients and work to manage these emotions professionally and ethically. This can involve regular supervision, consultation with other mental health professionals, self-reflection, and awareness.

By managing countertransference, therapists can ensure that their own emotional conflicts do not interfere with the therapeutic process and can provide the best possible care for their patients.

Explanations for Transference

Transference can be explained using a variety of psychological theories, including:

Psychodynamic Theory

Transference is a central concept in psychodynamic theory, which emphasizes the role of unconscious thoughts and feelings in shaping behavior. According to this theory, transference occurs when a patient unconsciously transfers emotions from a past relationship onto a current relationship, particularly one with a therapist.

Attachment Theory

Attachment theory suggests that early experiences with attachment figures, such as parents or caregivers, can shape an individual’s attachment style and influence how they relate to others in adulthood. Transference can be viewed as a manifestation of attachment patterns, as patients may transfer feelings of attachment or rejection onto their therapist.

Cognitive-Behavioral Theory

Cognitive-behavioral theory emphasizes the role of thoughts and behaviors in shaping emotions. According to this theory, transference can be seen as a cognitive distortion, where a patient’s perception of their therapist is influenced by their past experiences.

Object Relations Theory

Object relations theory suggests that individuals develop internal representations, or “objects,” of their significant relationships, which can influence their relationships in adulthood. Transference can be viewed as a manifestation of these internal objects, as patients may transfer feelings associated with past relationships onto their therapist.

Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory emphasizes the role of observation and modeling in shaping behavior. Transference can be seen as a learned behavior, where patients transfer feelings and behaviors from past relationships onto their therapist based on previous learning experiences.

These theories can help to explain the underlying mechanisms of transference and provide a framework for understanding how it affects the therapeutic relationship.

How to Manage Transference

Managing transference in therapy requires a collaborative effort between the therapist and the patient. Here are some ways a person can manage transference in therapy:

• Recognize and discuss it: A person can start by recognizing when transference is happening and bringing it up with their therapist. By discussing it openly, both the therapist and the patient can explore the underlying emotional conflicts and work together to address them.
• Practice self-awareness: A person can also practice self-awareness by paying attention to their emotions and reactions during therapy. By being aware of their own emotional responses, they can gain insight into the transference and work to manage it more effectively.
• Set boundaries: Setting boundaries can also be helpful in managing transference. By establishing clear boundaries with the therapist, such as limiting communication outside of therapy sessions or discussing personal relationships, a person can help to maintain a professional and therapeutic relationship.
• Explore past relationships: Exploring past relationships with the therapist can help to identify patterns and unresolved emotional conflicts that may be contributing to transference. This can help a person to gain insight into their own emotions and develop new coping strategies.
• Consider alternative therapies: In some cases, alternative therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or group therapy, may be more effective in managing transference. These therapies can help to develop new coping strategies and provide additional support and insight.

Managing transference in therapy requires a commitment to self-awareness, open communication with the therapist, and a willingness to explore underlying emotional conflicts. By working collaboratively with the therapist, a person can gain insight into their own emotions and develop new coping strategies for managing transference.

Summary

Transference is a phenomenon in psychotherapy where a patient unconsciously transfers emotions, attitudes, and desires from past experiences and relationships onto their therapist. Transference can take many forms, including idealization, dependence, hostility, and romantic or sexual attraction. It is often viewed as an opportunity for the therapist and patient to explore and work through unresolved emotional conflicts. By recognizing and addressing transference, patients can gain insight into their own emotions and develop new coping strategies for managing them.

Sources:

American Psychological Association. Positive transference.

Ladson D, Welton R. Recognizing and managing erotic and eroticized transferences. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2007;4(4):47-50.

McLean J. Psychotherapy with a Narcissistic Patient Using Kohut’s Self Psychology Model. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2007;4(10):40-47.