What is Transference?

Transference is when a client/patient puts feelings or ideas onto their therapist. These feelings often come from past relationships, like with parents or other important people. For example, a client/patient might see their therapist as very caring, like the mother they always wanted.

What is Countertransference?

Countertransference is the opposite. It’s when a therapist has strong feelings about a client/patient. These feelings can come from the therapist’s own past or current life. For instance, a therapist might feel very protective of a client/patient who reminds them of their younger sibling.

Why Do They Matter?

Both transference and countertransference can be helpful or harmful in therapy. They can give us clues about a client’s/patient’s past relationships and current struggles. But if the therapist doesn’t notice them, they might get in the way of good therapy.

What Can Therapists Do?

Therapists need to:

1. Be aware of these feelings.
2. Think about where these feelings come from.
3. Talk about these feelings in their own therapy and supervision.
4. Use the feelings that come up to help their clients/patients, not harm them.