Transference in psychoanalysis refers to the unconscious redirection of feelings and desires from one person to another, typically occurring in the context of the therapeutic relationship between a patient and a psychoanalyst. This phenomenon was first described by Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, as a way to understand and work through unconscious conflicts and emotions that emerge in the therapeutic relationship.
In psychoanalysis, the therapist serves as a blank slate or "mirror" onto which the patient projects their feelings and thoughts. This process allows the patient to explore and work through their unconscious feelings, thoughts, and memories in a safe and controlled environment. The therapist helps the patient to recognize and understand these projections, and to identify and work through the underlying emotional conflicts.
Transference can take many forms, such as feelings of love, hatred, or anger towards the therapist, or the experience of the therapist as a parent, sibling, or romantic partner. These feelings and desires are not necessarily based on the therapist's actual characteristics or behavior, but rather reflect the patient's unconscious needs and conflicts.
One of the main goals of psychoanalysis is to help the patient recognize and understand their transference, and to work through the underlying emotional conflicts. This can be a difficult and sometimes painful process, as it requires the patient to confront and work through unresolved emotional issues from their past. However, it can also be a deeply transformative and healing experience, as it allows the patient to gain insight into their unconscious thoughts and feelings and to learn new ways of coping with their emotions.
Overall, transference is a central concept in psychoanalysis and plays a crucial role in the therapeutic process. By understanding and working through transference, patients can gain insight into their unconscious thoughts and feelings and learn new ways of coping with their emotions, leading to greater self-awareness and emotional well-being.
Why Transference Is the Key to Therapeutic Progress — Integrative Psychotherapy Mental Health Blog
Transference can be found in all areas involving relationships. Transference Analysis of transference occurs when the psychoanalyst believes their client may be reacting to them based on experiences in their past. Namely, that I was sort of a giant and she was a very little frail human thing, you know, quite a little girl in the hands of an enormous being. ~ Rafael H Sharón, Modern Psychoanalyst, Psychoanalyst in Princeton NJ. The therapist analyzes the dream for any latent content or content they believe the individual is repressing in the dream, as well as for symbolic content found across all cultures. A therapist may go about treating the individual's resistance through methods of encouragement and direction toward this unconscious material. Dream Analysis Dream analysis is the investigation of repressed feelings that can be expressed in our dreams.
Psychoanalysis and Transference Essay Example
What this means practically speaking is that if a therapist reminds his or her client of someone who has been a nurturing force in their life, there will be a strong connection, by association. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, discovered that Transference, the ability to unconsciously redirect feelings and desires from one person to another, is an essential aspect of the therapeutic process. I say within and not in because there is a difference. The primary object is your mother. Latent content in dreams consists of hidden, symbolic, and unconscious thoughts and feelings, according to Corey. Techniques in Psychoanalytic Therapy Bob is about to start psychoanalytic therapy.
What is the psychoanalytic theory of transference?
The symbol refers not really to sister, but woman. Techniques developed by Freud in the late 1800s continue to be refined today, helping psychologists unify the id, ego, and superego of their patient's unconscious. And over time you start to recognize what we call the other, the mother. It is an unconscious psychological dynamic and anyone can get one. It does not matter which thoughts even if the thoughts seem irrelevant or illogical. Another problem that can occur is that, even if the patient decides to continue with the psychoanalysis process, he unconsciously harbors resentment towards his therapist.
