The Psychoanalytic Theory of Transference

The Psychoanalytic Theory of Transference Phobias Print The Psychoanalytic Theory of Transference Your Therapist Can Experience Transference, Too By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on November 21, 2019 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on January 29, 2020 Universal Images Group/Getty Images More in Phobias Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Types In This Article Table of Contents Expand Transference Is Complex Positive Transference Negative Transference Sexualized Transference Counter-Transference Talk With Your Therapist View All Back To Top In psychoanalytic theory, transference occurs when a client projects feelings about someone else, particularly someone encountered in childhood, onto her therapist. Frequently spoken about in reference to the therapeutic relationship, the  classic example of sexual transference is falling in love with one’s therapist. However, you might also transfer feelings such as rage, anger, distrust, or dependence. There are three types of transference: PositiveNegativeSexualized While transference is typically a term for the mental health field, it can manifest in your daily life when your brain tries to comprehend a current experience by examining the present through the past and, to your detriment, limiting the input of new information. Transference Is Multilayered and Complex Transference can sometimes be an obstacle to therapy, as the client may feel a temptation to cut off the relationship altogether, or may become sullen and withdrawn during sessions, which impedes progress. Working through transferred feelings is an important part of psychodynamic therapy. The nature of the transference can provide important clues to the client’s issues, and working through the situation can help to resolve deep-rooted conflicts in the client’s psyche.?? Positive Transference Transference can be a good thing. You experience positive transference when you apply enjoyable aspects of your past relationships to your relationship with your therapist. This can have a positive outcome because you see your therapist as caring, wise and concerned about you. Negative Transference Negative transference sounds bad but actually can enhance your therapeutic experience. Once realized, the therapist can use it as a topic of discussion and examine your emotional response. This type of transference is especially useful if your therapist helps you overcome an emotional response that is out of proportion to the reality of what transpired during the session.   Sexualized Transference Are you feeling attracted to your therapist? You might be suffering from sexualized transference if your feelings for your therapist are: Romantic and sensualIntimate and sexualReverential or worship Counter-Transference The therapist must always be aware of the possibility that their own internal conflicts could be transferred to the client as well.  This process, known as counter-transference, can greatly muddy the therapeutic relationship.?? Some studies suggest 76% of female therapists and 95% of male therapists admit to having felt sexual feelings toward their clients at one time or another. Despite the negative connotation of counter-transference, some psychotherapists are finding ways of using it in therapeutic ways. Discussing Transference With Your Therapist Once your therapist recognizes that youre experiencing transference, they probably wont want to discuss it right away. However, it will be necessary to address it at some point. If the topic is avoided, it could lead to an impasse in therapy down the line and negatively impact your relationship with your therapist because you, the client, may: Feel stressRegress, which can negate some of the positive progress you already achievedFeel embarrassed, uncomfortable, and withdraw emotionally Common Misspellings: transferance, transferrence, transferrance Examples: Michelle became very angry with her therapist when he discussed the possibility of homework activities. Through the exploration of the anger with the therapist, Michelle discovered that she was experiencing transference of unresolved anger toward an authoritarian elementary school teacher. How Counter-Transference Impacts Therapy