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Difference between Transference & Counter Transference

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Arpita Basak
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12 views

Difference between Transference & Counter Transference

Uploaded by

Arpita Basak
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Transference Counter-transference

Definition Transference is unconscious Counter transference is the response that is


It is at least partly inappropriate to the elicited in the recipient (therapist) by the other’s
present (patient’s) unconscious transference
It is the transferring of a relationship, communications
not a person Counter transference response includes both
Only an aspect of a relationship, not the feelings and associated thoughts.
entire relationship, is transferred When transference feelings are not an important
part of the therapeutic relationship, there can
obviously be no counter transference.

The person projected in the transference Counter transference


relationship may not be historically Includes the feelings evoked in the doctor by
accurate, the patient’s transference projections
but is the current mental representation These can be a useful guide to the patient’s
of a expectations of relationships
previously experienced relationship. They are easier to identify if they are not
This is congruent with the doctor’s personality
likely to be a mixture of the real and expectation of his or her role
historical Awareness of the transference–counter
relationship, the child’s interpretation of transference
this relationship allows reflection
at the time, and perhaps some revision and thoughtful response rather than
made
since the original model was laid down.
The transference projection may be
considered
a communication of a patient’s needs
that
cannot be verbally expressed but that is
instead
enacted
Transference Transference is promoted by Counter transference
unconscious expectations Includes the feelings evoked in the doctor by
and what we perceive will be coloured the patient’s transference projections
by These can be a useful guide to the patient’s
our expectations. Thus, distortions may expectations of relationships
take place They are easier to identify if they are not
in the patient’s understanding of an congruent with the doctor’s personality
interaction. and expectation of his or her role
Awareness of the transference–counter
transference
relationship allows reflection
and thoughtful response rather than unthinking
reaction from the doctor
Projection Transference involves the projection of
and a mental representation of previous
transference experience on to the present
Other people are treated as though they
are
playing the complementary role needed
for the projected relationship
There are subtle (unconscious)
behavioural
‘nudges’ to take on these feelings and
behaviours
Factors that Vulnerable personality, especially
increase people
transference with borderline features, who may
rigidly
project their expectations on to the
present
The patient’s anxiety about his or her
physical
or psychological safety (e.g. when sick
and
afraid)
Frequent contact with a service or with a
keyworker
Managing Recognising the importance of the Dealing with countertransference
transference relationship reflection:
to the patient _ using the team to clarify what a difficult
Reliability patient
Maintaining professional boundaries projects into the treatment relationship –
and ofteseveral members of the group can contribute
clear limits in treatment to an understanding of the patient’s transference
Interpretation, but only when the patient to the team or to individuals (Kerr, 1999)
can _ using a specialist psychotherapist to help
understand and use it understand what the patient is unconsciously
communicating in his or her behaviour
_ undergoing personal therapy to become more
aware of one’s own unconscious needs and
fears.
Why Supports staff by helping them
recognise understand
transference what is going on in the relationship with
in the patients, so reducing anxiety and
general overresponsibility
psychiatry? Improves patient management by
recognising
wishes that are not clearly articulated
Anticipates problem areas for patients
and
so more appropriate therapeutic
provision
Helps avoid staff acting-out and
improves
boundary maintenance

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