ABSTRACT
How do we learn working in the transference? In this chapter, we present empirical studies investigating aspects of the learning process necessary for dealing with transference phenomena, with a specific aim to identify possible intrapsychic changes in the trainees. None of the training studies especially highlight learning to work in the transference but rather address psychoanalytic (and psychodynamic) competence in general. The results in the training-outcome studies indicate that therapists’ personalities are not easily changed. The training-process studies show that trainees typically have transference- and defensive reactions toward their supervisors and that such reactions are difficult to handle while complex and challenging learning processes are going on. In sum, there is only fragmented empirical research on the change process taking place in trainees during learning to work in the transference. Further empirical research is not only needed to investigate the learning process in more detail but also for further developing the psychoanalytic therapeutic tradition. Better studies are also required in order to test main assumptions and to substantiate the relevance of working in the transference. Finally, we present an ongoing sub-study within the Nordic Psychotherapy Training Study with the aim to meet some of these needs.
