Updated 12/20/2021
While it may be surprising, this experience is a normal part of psychotherapy, and it can happen both on the part of a person seeking treatment, as well as on the part of thetherapist.
Types of TransferenceThe process of transference happens unconsciously from one person to another. In therapy, it happens when a person receiving treatment applies emotions and expectations toward a therapist. When it occurs, a person may start to interact with their therapist as if he or she is the individual in their past experiences.Generally, it takes shape when recounting certain childhood relationships. This is a common experience and does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. Even so, understanding the common types of transference can be beneficial to spotting it when it occurs.Paternal transference.This form of transference occurs when a person views another person as a father figure. This takes shape as the belief that another person is in a position of power, has authority, and can give sound advice and protection.Maternal transference.Similar to the paternal example, in this instance, an individual treats another person as an idealized mother figure. They likely view this person as caring and expect them to be nurturing and comforting.Sibling transference.Often this can be experienced when parental relationships are not super strong and take shape as more peer-based interactions rather than a leader/follower relationship.Non familial transference.This form of transference takes shape when a person treats others as idealized versions of what they are expected to be rather than their authentic selves.
Types of Transference
The process of transference happens unconsciously from one person to another. In therapy, it happens when a person receiving treatment applies emotions and expectations toward a therapist. When it occurs, a person may start to interact with their therapist as if he or she is the individual in their past experiences.
Generally, it takes shape when recounting certain childhood relationships. This is a common experience and does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. Even so, understanding the common types of transference can be beneficial to spotting it when it occurs.
How Transference Impacts Therapy
“It would be unwise to be the amateur therapist for a friend or family member because transference can endanger the relationship. As wounds begin to surface, the role that you play can morph into something that can be unintended.”
Dr. Karmen Smith, LCSW, DD
Some believe transference feelings signify a deeper issue or lingering feelings in your life. When you experience a strong reaction to something the therapist says or does, therefore, it may help hint at that suppressed feeling that is at the root of that reaction. In these instances, a therapist can take time to better understand a person’s projected feelings and help identify the cause of the experienced emotions.
Recognizing Transference in the Moment
When projected feelings of transference start to show up in the therapy relationship, try to step back and remind yourself that this is your therapist and not the person you have these suppressed feelings for. You can make a list of the ways your therapist is different from the person you have these feelings about to help distinguish the two, while taking time to clear your mind before a session begins. If you feel your emotions will greatly impact your ability to receive a positive outcome, it is always possible to seek out support from another therapist and practice.
Reverse Transference
In a therapy setting, countertransference occurs when a therapist begins to project his or her own unresolved conflicts onto their clients. While transference between a client and a therapist is a well-known possibility, it is important for a therapist to be able to identify countertransference when it happens and try to remain neutral. This form of transference takes shape in the following common ways:
While therapists generally try to avoid feelings of countertransference during sessions with clients, it can have some positive benefits. Onestudyfound that in certain instances of positive countertransference, it can help strengthen the bond between a therapist and client and eventually lead to positive outcomes and improvements for the client.
Better Understand Yourself
Transference and countertransference are relationship issues, albeit the relationship with your therapist, and — although they can be uncomfortable experiences — they provide you an opportunity to better understand your thoughts, feelings,fantasies, andrelationships.
“When transference or countertransference occurs it can be an enlightening experience because you become aware of your triggers and can more easily trace the origin or cause. It can be used as a therapeutic tool to explore feelings and topics that could stay hidden.”
Sources:Sohtorik İlkmen Y, Halfon S. Transference interpretations as predictors of increased insight and affect expression in a single case of long-term psychoanalysis. Res Psychother. 2019;22(3):408. Published 2019 Dec 20. doi:10.4081/ripppo.2019.408.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7451340/. Accessed December 13, 2021.Transference.http://changingminds.org/disciplines/psychoanalysis/concepts/transference.htm.Accessed November 30, 2021.
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