Transference is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a person redirects their feelings or desires for one person to another person, often unconsciously. In the context of psychoanalysis and related forms of therapy, transference occurs when a patient expresses feelings towards the therapist that appear to be based on the patients past feelings about someone else. Transference is multilayered and complex and happens when the brain tries to understand a current experience by examining it through the past. There are three main categories of transference:
-
Positive transference: This is when enjoyable aspects of past relationships are projected onto the therapist. This can allow the client to see the therapist as caring, wise, and empathetic, which is beneficial for the therapeutic process.
-
Negative transference: This is when negative aspects of past relationships are projected onto the therapist. This can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, or disappointment towards the therapist.
-
Erotic transference: This is when a patient develops romantic or sexual feelings towards the therapist.
Transference can also occur outside of a therapy setting and usually stems from childhood relationships. For example, a person may feel worried that their current partner will cheat on them because an ex-partner did so, or they may feel annoyed at someone who reminds them of their mother who nagged them as a child.
Transference is an important concept in psychoanalysis and related forms of therapy, as it can help therapists understand a patient's unconscious conflicts and work towards resolving them. Therapists actively monitor for transference and may use it as a tool to help patients develop healthy, long-lasting relationships. If a patient experiences transference, they may consider seeing a second therapist about it before returning to their initial therapist.
