What is Transference in Psychology

Transference is the shift of emotional involvement from one entity (person) to another.  This is usually focused on one important person in the patient's life to another.  Commonly it happens when the patient expresses feelings toward the therapist instead of to someone else (like a parent, significant other, etc.).  Although it is primarily the shift of emotions from one person to another, it could also involve an inanimate object. 
 
An example might be a person whose parent was critical of the patient's actions as a child or even as an adult.  If the therapist makes some remark that the patient interprets as judgmental, the patient becomes angry at the therapist, applying the emotions the patient would like to express to the parent.
 
In theory this can happen in everyday activities.  For instance, the formation of an unlikely friendship based on a perception of the other party to a close family member.  Like a person who treats a boss like a parent because of a physical or, more likely, emotional response. 
 
In therapeutic situations, transference can occur both positively and negatively.  Positive would be when a patient assumes the therapist has a specific characteristic, like wisdom.  Under normal circumstances, this will work to the therapist's benefit in being able to influence a change in behavior.  Negative is if the patient becomes angry with or suspicious of the therapist. 
 
Sexual transference occurs when the patient applies a romantic fantasy to the relationship between the therapist and the patient.  This can expand into sexual fantasies, which can become more intense and problematic.
 
When a therapist recognizes transference, he or she will use approved methods to point out the transference to the patient.  This includes the terminology (words used to describe the transference), relationship between the therapist and the client, and level of trust.  The therapist may consider this an opportunity to discuss the dynamics of a relationship.  However, if the transference begins to indicate a threat, either through anger or sexual interest, the therapist will carefully but completely manage the situation.
 
There are names for the more common types of transference.

• Paternal – When the client looks to another person as a father figure either idealized or as a position of power or protection.
• Maternal – When the patient treats another person as a mother figure for nurture and comfort.
• Sibling – In the absence of a parental relationship, this comes forward as a team-based relationship.
• Non-familial – This is when the client views a profession in an idealized manner.  Examples include a surgeon that never makes a mistake, a business owner who would never embezzle, or a pastor who would never sin.
• Sexualized – As mentioned previously, this is when a patient forms an unwarranted attraction to the therapist that can become detrimental to the therapist-patient relationship and the progress of the client.

 
Transference is when an individual redirects strong emotion from one person to another.  This is generally an unconscious process and often stems from childhood relationships or activities.

Experienced psychiatrists and counselors can recognize transference if it happens between patient and therapist and reduce or help reverse its effect on your therapeutic relationship with them.