Transference is defined by Baron (1998) as “intense emotional feelings of love or hate toward the analyst on the part of patients undergoing psycho-analysis” (p.590); and described by Egan (2007) as the “complex and often unconscious interpersonal dynamics between helper and client that are rooted in the client’s and even helper’s past” (p.48). It is of critical importance for the helper to be able to both understand and recognise transference and when it is occurring in the therapeutic relationship.
Considering transference occurs when clients “resurrect from their early years intense conflicts relating to love, sexuality, hostility, anxiety, and resentment; bring them into the present; re-experience them; and attach them to the analyst” (Corey, 2009, p.71), it can certainly have a considerable impact on the relationship between client and counsellor. For example if a client who has difficulty relating to women is faced with a female therapist, inevitably there are going to be transference issues affecting the therapeutic alliance even before the initial session begins.
It is important to understand transference in the therapeutic relationship as it can assist to identify unresolved issues or concerns in the client’s past. According to Corey (2009), “when these feelings become conscious, clients can understand and resolve ‘unfinished business’ from these past relationships” (p.71). To use the example from above again for instance, the therapist could help the client explore his or her issues related to women, in order to pinpoint the source of the problem.
Recognising transference occurring in the therapeutic relationship can be challenging, as not every positive response (such as feeling romantically towards the counsellor) can be branded as positive transference; and not every negative response (such as being irritated by the counsellor) can be branded as negative transference. Nurcombe & Gallagher (1986) however, provide a useful guide to recognising transference in psychiatry in proposing that:
"When the patient is exceptionally deferential, hanging on your opinions, singing your praise to others, or easily slighted by a brief or delayed appointment, you may suspect a positive transference. When the patient is unexpectedly hostile, suspicious or competitive, and there is no reasonable explanation for such antagonism, a negative transference is likely" (p.142).
Understanding and recognising transference in the therapeutic relationship is essential. Identifying transference will help to pinpoint unresolved concerns or issues related to the client’s past. Due to the fact that not all positive or negative client responses stem from transference, recognising when it occurs can be challenging. However any excessive, extreme or unreasonable responses from the client towards the therapist can be seen as transference.
Sources
Baron, R.A. (1998). Psychology (4th edn.).A Viacom Company, M.A. USA.
Corey, G. (2009) Theory and Practice of Counseling & Psychotherapy (8th edn.) Australia, VIC: Thomson Brooks/Cole.
Egan, G. (2007) The Skilled Helper: A Problem-Management and Opportunity-Development Approach to Helping (8th edn.) Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
Nurcombe, B. & Gallagher, R.M. (1986). The Clinical Process in Psychiatry: Diagnosis and Management Planning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
