Define transference and resistance as discussed by Freud. Explain the therapeutic purpose of these ...

Transference in psychotherapy refers to the phenomenon in which patients transfer the feelings they have for someone in their past to the therapist in the present. Learn the definition of transference and countertransference, discover how Freud introduced this concept, explore how to recognize transference, and observe how countertransference can affect a therapist's ability to effectively treat patients.

Sigmund Freud first introduced transference in his theory of psychoanalysis, but the concept has transcended into virtually all branches of psychology. Although often associated with the client's parental figures, transference can occur with any significant figure in the individual's past, including teachers, abusers, and romantic interests or partners.

Freud believed that transference is a projection of one's feelings toward one person to another; essentially a person in the present becomes a surrogate for one in the past. Although its frequently thought of as a negative emotion, there can just as easily be positive forms of transference, which strengthen the relationship between the client and the therapist.

For example, if a client's therapist reminds her of a trustworthy person from her past, she might be inclined to trust her therapist more. Of course, transference can cause problems in therapy. When a client holds back or fails to disclose information, either because of mistrust of his or her therapist, or because of a desire for approval from the therapist. In each case, the individual's communication is incongruent, the client has ceased to be honest, and the transference is counterproductive.