What Is Transference Psychology And Why Does It Matter?

In psychology, several phenomena reveal human nature, and one such phenomenon is transference. Sigmund Freud first postulated this theory when he witnessed patients that transferred their feelings towards their psychoanalyst that should have been directed at a parent or loved one. Today, transference is considered a core tenet of psychoanalytic theory and understanding the nature of people to transfer hidden parts to others is a pivotal part of the therapeutic process. In this post, we will discuss further its definition, why it happens, and, most importantly, why transference psychology matters.

What is transference?

Transference theory in psychology refers to the unconscious transfer of a person’s interpersonal feelings about a significant someone to another person, usually a psychologist. Sound confusing? You may find it helpful to also study emotion psychology to understand how emotions are processed before delving into the concept of transference. If you are considering therapy, understanding the source of transference may help identify if you are projecting feelings onto your psychologist that actually should be directed towards someone else. For instance, if you are in love with your friend, through transference-focused psychotherapy you may transfer those feelings to the psychologist and think  to be in a relationship with them. 

How does transference occur?

Transference seems to occur because of childhood memories. Someone who has feelings about their parents may transfer those feelings to their children. For example, if your parents were overprotective, you may transfer that overprotectiveness to your children. If someone you know resembles your ex, you may transfer distrust to them. It can happen inside or outside of therapy.

History of transference

Like many psychological concepts, Sigmund Freud recognized the emergence of transference through his psychoanalytic practice. In sessions, Freud noticed the emergence of deeply held feelings from his patients’ subconscious that often was reflected in how they treated him as the psychoanalyst. In 1895, Freud published this phenomenon in his book Studies on Hysteria. According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, a person’s childhood and associated conflicts play a major role in the development of their personality as an adult. While some of Freud’s theories have little place in today’s psychological world, transference is still observable, and can be observed in the following types.

Transference types

Transference is an umbrella term, and there are quite a few types of transference one may deal with. These include:

Paternal transference

This occurs when someone transfers fatherly feelings that should only be directed to their own father towards another person. An example of this is when a person sees their therapist as a defensive, wise, and authoritative father figure who they grow to admire and respect. Ever seen someone look up to another person, especially a person older than them, as a father? You may view an older person’s wisdom as fatherly, and they have a sense of authority as a result. This often happens if someone does not have a father, to begin with.

Maternal transference

Similar to paternal transference, this type occurs when someone views another person as a motherly figure and then develops an emotional response because of this perception. Motherly characteristics that can spark this feeling is nurturing, comforting, and loving. Of course, this type refers to traditional parental gender roles. You may see them as a source of comfort, and they elicit a positive response based in stability. However, there are cases when this response will show up as negative, especially when a person had an unhealthy relationship with their mother.

Sibling transference

Sibling transference can happen when you view someone as your brother or sister. For example, you may see your best male friend like a brother or know a female who you think of as your little sister. This type of transference can occur when you are an only child, have a strained relationship with your siblings, or problematic relationship with your parents.

Non-familial transference

This is when someone transfers their feelings about who they want to be onto someone else. For example, if you want to be a priest, you may see others as a holy figure because you want to be holy. This form of transference may rely on stereotypes about certain groups of people, just like how the family transference relies on mother, father, and sibling stereotypes.

Is transference a positive or negative phenomenon?

Transference can be positive, negative, or neutral. A negative occurrence that can happen is a person growing angry or hurtful towards someone who does not deserve the treatment. For example, you may mistreat someone because they remind you of an ex. If your previous partner betrayed you, you might be skeptical of your new partner, even though you have no proof they are cheating. You may also transfer sexual feelings onto someone. Sexual transference is something that can occur in therapy, which can greatly interfere with treatment and halt all progress. There are many cases where transference can go wrong.

However, transference can be positive. Those who are lacking a parental figure may find comfort in people who fulfill a comforting or wise role, guiding them in life’s journey. You may also establish a bond with someone as a sibling, which can be healthy if you are supportive towards each other. 

Transference in therapy

As Freud recognized in the late 19th century, therapy is one of the primary places where transference can take place. When you build a relationship of trust and support, the atmosphere is prime for unconscious feelings to emerge. A therapist is knowledgeable, and many can look to the therapist as a parent or a lover. A therapist needs to be careful, as being romantically involved with their patient is extremely unethical. However, most therapists understand the concept of transference and are well-prepared when it happens.

Therapists also know that transference can be positive or negative. In some cases, a client may view the therapist as an antagonist, and the therapist needs to be prepared for some resistance. Transference allows the therapist to look at the patient’s entire self and see what they can find. Often, they can help the patient realize a few aspects about themselves they did not know was present. Since transference is unconscious, someone may not know they view the therapist as a sibling.

In fact, transference can be quite beneficial in therapy. Someone who is in the process of transferring can uncover valuable aspects of their inner world that causes them pain, and the therapist can help them heal. If someone has never had a father figure, the therapist can use that knowledge to institute change. They can also teach them how to move on from those thoughts. The therapist can analyze their behaviors and discover what causes their clients’ transference and what can be done about it. Problematic transference behaviors, such as sexualized, can be prevented by the therapist maintaining firm boundaries.

Transference in popular culture

Humans are complex beings, but we can be stagnated by inaccurate perceptions and generalizations. An example of this is generational racism. People associate stereotypes with an entire culture because of what they have been taught or witnessed growing up. They apply stereotypes to other people solely based on what they “think” they know. There are often many unconscious biases that are passed on through overhearing conversations with people who you at one time looked up to.

Countertransference

Soon after developing his theory on transference, Freud proposed the idea of countertransference.  This occurs when a therapist transfers their emotions to their client, because they unconsciously view their client as someone from their past. This reaction on the part of the therapist is often caused by their patient’s own transference in sessions. 

In the past, countertransference was viewed as negative behavior that hinders therapeutic treatment. However, some contemporary clinicians and psychologists find that this emotive reaction can actually benefit their understanding of their client and provide insight of their interactions with other people.   Nonetheless, because countertransference can develop unconsciously, it is important that the therapist remains vigilant so that their feelings do not impede treatment. The therapist needs to remain neutral about a client if they want to institute change. If a therapist is transferring feelings, that’s not good. The solution to countertransference is said to be mindfulness, the practice of introspection in the moment to recognize when these complex emotional reactions arise. The therapist must be aware of the phenomenon and leave their feelings at the door. Since therapy is a profession that requires much empathy, countertransference can happen, and a therapist needs to evaluate their feelings.

Emotions that someone can transfer

Here is a list of emotions that a person may transfer:

• Someone in therapy may transfer rage to the therapist. For example, if the therapist looks like someone who hurt the client, the client may be hostile towards the therapist. In a healthy therapeutic relationship, the therapist can use this reactivity to help their client understand their emotional response and unbury the cause. 
• A person may transfer depressive feelings onto someone else. As therapists are empathetic, they need to recognize this and make sure they do not internalize their client’s intense emotions.
• Not all transference is bad. If the therapist reminds their client of someone who made them happy, they may be joyful to speak to them and feel more comfortable in opening up. However, they may also hide their true feelings as a result, because they do not want to experience unpleasant emotions.

Treating transference

The first step in treating the transference is awareness and knowing what the cause. For example, say you transfer angry feelings onto someone because they have the same hair color as your ex. First, acknowledge that you are doing so unconsciously. By realizing that you are experiencing transference, you may find you have more control over these feelings and change your perspective. Tell yourself that the person you are angry at has no other resemblances to your ex besides their hair. Then, remind yourself that your anger is not the person’s fault, but a reflection of something painful in your past. By being mindful and practicing self-awareness, you can gain control of your emotional reactivity while increasing understanding and empathy towards yourself.

Seeking help

If you are concerned that transference is affecting your relationship, consider talking to a therapist. Some psychologists will actually use transference as a tool in therapy, which may be something useful in your own life. Psychoanalysis transference is a specific defense mechanism that comes into play during therapy. The client directs their thoughts, emotions, and memories of early childhood relationships toward the therapist as if the therapist were the one who was originally involved. A trained psychologist can use insights used in these emotional sessions to help enlighten their client about the source of their transference. 

If in-person therapy seems overwhelming or uncomfortable, you may want to consider online therapy.  Research shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy in forming a positive relationship between a therapist and patient. In a study published in BMC Psychiatry, researchers found that internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was successful in treating symptoms related to trauma in patients, and also helped foster a strong therapeutic alliance. Specifically, participants reported feeling strong feelings of trust between their therapists and themselves. This type of solid therapeutic alliance is a major predictor of the efficacy of treatment, pointing to online therapy as a useful alternative to in-person therapy. 

There is no shame in speaking to a therapist if you need one. Therapy can help you with many emotions, especially if you are concerning you are missing something important in your life and do not know how to find it. By speaking to a therapist, you can end transference and live a better life. So, talk to a therapist today and see what you can do.

Takeaway

Transference is a common unconscious emotional response, especially when you are working through intense emotions in therapy. If you have experienced something confusing or painful in your childhood, it is natural to want to avoid these uncomfortable feelings and push them inside. However, this emotional reactivity can keep you from developing a healthy relationship with someone you love or get in the way of you moving forward in therapy. If you are concerned that hidden or suppressed feelings are getting in the way of your relationships, reach out for professional support. A licensed online therapist can guide you in a safe and supportive space to help bring light to what you are having a difficult time understanding.