ABSTRACT
We referred earlier to the differences between `selfobject' and `repetitive' dimensions of transference (Stolorow and Atwood, 1992). Marion Tolpin, from the discipline of self psychology, has named these transferences the `growing edge or leading edge' for the selfobject dimension and the `trailing edge' for the repetitive dimension (Tolpin, 2002: 167). She believes very strongly that we need to be equally aware of both these dimensions in our client work. She de®nes these forward edge transferences as `transferences of still remaining healthy childhood development in the unconscious depths, albeit in the form of fragile `tendrils' that are thwarted, stunted, or crushed' (p. 168). We need to support these struggling tendrils in their emergence and growth. In this way we can revive the urge towards developmental maturation. As regards the `selfobject' dimension, the client will look to the therapist to recognize mirroring, idealizing or twinship selfobject needs (Kohut, 1984) that were not attuned to in the process of development and will heal selfobject disruptions from childhood by internalizing the psychotherapist's sustained empathy. The repetitive dimensions will be linked to the person's core interpersonal schema and to their script, particularly if this is connected with unsatisfactory experiences in the past. This view of the transference is close to traditional de®nitions of the transference that see the client transferring past relationships into the present.
