ABSTRACT
This chapter evaluates distinguish between transference, differentiation and the genetic hypothesis, concepts that every practitioner uses all the time. It suggests that if the analyst understands their subtle differences his interpretations of clinical data will be more developmentally informed as well as more empathic. Transference was one of the pivotal discoveries of Sigmund Freud. It allowed the past to invade the present: such invasions, seemingly disruptive at first, came to be recognized as crucial portals of enquiry into the mind. Transference does exist of course in all walks of life outside the consulting room. A more formal definition of transference may be in order. Transference is the unconscious displacement of a genetic relationship onto a current relationship. The chapter focuses on play. There is an important link between the port of call people are leaving and the contours of the new port of call that people are approaching.
