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Transference & Countertransference: Definition & Examples

Published: December 21, 2021 Updated: July 7, 2022
Published: 12/21/2021 Updated: 07/07/2022
Headshot of Iris Waichler MSW, LCSW
Written by:

Iris Waichler

MSW, LCSW
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • Transference vs. CountertransferenceVersus
  • What Is TransferenceTransference
  • What Is Countertransference?Countertransference
  • Final Thoughts on Transference vs. CountertransferenceConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Iris Waichler MSW, LCSW
Written by:

Iris Waichler

MSW, LCSW
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD

Psychiatrist Sigmund Freud described transference as the way people “transfer” emotions related to the important people in their lives, onto their therapist.1 Countertransference refers to instances when a therapist consciously or unconsciously transfers their emotions back to the person they are treating in response to transference. When these dynamics occur in therapy and are appropriately addressed, it offers important insights for patients.

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Transference vs. Countertransference

Transference occurs when the patient brings strong feelings associated with an important past relationship into therapy and onto their therapist. Often this is an unconscious act. The relationship between a patient and therapist is the core of any type of therapy.

Transference can be a powerful tool in helping therapists gain a greater knowledge of their patients’ past conscious and unconscious thinking and behaviors. This helps therapists  understand past and current relationships and how they were shaped.

The relationship between transference and countertransference involves contributions from both patient and clinician. The patient draws a therapist into playing a role that reflects the patient’s internal world, but the specific dimensions of that role are colored by the therapist’s personality.2 With countertransference, the therapist transfers his/her emotions and feelings towards their patients.

What Is Transference

Transference can include positive or negative aspects of previous relationships. In their article on transference, experts Patricia Hughes and Ian Kerr further define transference as being “at least partly inappropriate to the present. It is the transfer of a relationship, not a person. Only an aspect of a relationship, not the entire relationship is transferred.”3

Examples of Transference

Here are a few examples of transference that a patient might display:

  • Psychologist Judith A. Schaeffer offers this example: “As my vacation approached, Ms. D. hinted repeatedly that I was selfish. When I attempted to link my vacation with her mother’s unnecessary and frequent excursions, she stomped out of the office, threatening not to return. She did not.”4
  • Clients receiving therapy could have a sexual attraction to their therapist because the therapist reminds them of a past romantic relationship
  • Clients could idealize their therapist, thinking they are perfect
  • Clients could be in opposition to the therapist’s recommendations because they link it to someone else in their life instead, like a parent or sibling

What Is Countertransference?

Countertransference occurs when a therapist loses all objectivity regarding their patient. John E. Schowalter, MD, describes it as “the unconscious influence that a therapist’s past needs and conflicts have on their understanding, actions, or reactions within the treatment situation.”5

Examples of Countertransference

Here are several examples of countertransference:

  • Therapists could blur boundaries and reveal a lot regarding their personal life turning the attention away from the patient to themselves
  • Therapists could develop an attraction with romantic and/or sexual feelings towards a client
  • Therapists could be overly protective of a patient who reminds them of their child
  • Therapists could become angry at a patient who has an alcohol addiction because they had a parent who was an alcoholic

Final Thoughts on Transference vs. Countertransference

Doctors are responsible for the control of transference and countertransference since patients don’t have a conscious perception of it.6There are circumstances where transference and countertransference can offer a positive outcome for patients if it’s handled effectively. Both the patient and a skilled mental health practitioner can learn from transference and countertransference that occur in sessions.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

BetterHelp (Online Therapy) – BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Online-Therapy.com – Receive help from a mental health professional. The Online-Therapy.com standard plan includes a weekly 45 minute video session, unlimited text messaging between sessions, and self-guided activities like journaling. Recently, they added Yoga videos. Get Started

Brightside Health (Online Psychiatry) – If you’re struggling with mental illness, finding the right medication can make a difference. Brightside Health treatment plans start at $95 per month. Following a free online evaluation and receiving a prescription, you can get FDA approved medications delivered to your door. Free Assessment

Headspace (Meditation App) – Headspace is the leading mindfulness and meditation app with over 70 million members. Headspace offers guidance and exercises for all skill levels, including beginners. Free Trial

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who has your welling in mind. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp, Online-Therapy.com, Brightside, and Headspace

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov
6 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Kernberg O. F. (2016). The four basic components of psychoanalytic technique and derived psychoanalytic psychotherapies. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 15(3), 287–288. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20368

  • Glen O Gabbard, MD. The role of countertransference in contemporary psychiatric treatment. 2020 June; 19(2): 243-244. World Psychiatry. Doi: 10.1002/wps.20746. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7214951/

  • Patricia Hughes, Ian Kerr. Transference and countertransference in communication between doctor and patient. (January 2, 1018) Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/advances-in-psychiatric-treatment/article/transference-and-countertransference-in-communication-between-doctor-and-patient/34338CA8F62572B603E0012A45E5EFD7

  • Judith A. Schaeffer, Ph.D. Transference and Countertransference Interpretations: Harmful or Helpful in Short-Term Dynamic Therapy? American Journal of Psychotherapy Volume 52 , No. 1, Winter 1998. Retrieved from https://psychotherapy.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1998.52.1.1

  • John E. Schowalter, MD. Countertransference in Work With Children: Review of a Neglected Concept. Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry. 25 I:40-45, 1985. Retrieved from https://www.jaacap.org/article/S0002-7138(09)60597-5/pdf

  • Jose Luis Turabian, Ph.D. Transference and countertransference are linked to placebo-nocebo effects and they are an auxiliary resource of unparalleled value in general medicine: Recommendations for general practitioners. (February 28, 2020) Archives of Psychiatry and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatryhealthjournal.com/articles/apmh-aid1010.pdf

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Headshot of Iris Waichler MSW, LCSW
Written by:

Iris Waichler

MSW, LCSW
Headshot of Rajy Abulhosn, MD
Reviewed by:

Rajy Abulhosn

MD
  • Transference vs. CountertransferenceVersus
  • What Is TransferenceTransference
  • What Is Countertransference?Countertransference
  • Final Thoughts on Transference vs. CountertransferenceConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
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