ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses 'transference' and 'counter-transference', and explains work with people with dementia. It examines the causes of transference and counter-transference, which results in both carer and client, respectively, falling into other 'roles'. When carers project their own needs onto persons with dementia to their own feelings and needs and not those of the sufferer. Projections can also lead to the discourteous treatment of the person with dementia. Unresolved conflicts can result in the carer dismissing or rejecting him/her. When someone experiences the same tensions, conflicts and emotions in their work as they do in daily life, it starts to feel like there is no distinction between work and private life. Transference comes from the person's extremely positive or negative life experiences. Transference and counter-transference refers to the professional relationship between a client and a therapist. In such a relationship, the term 'transference' refers to the client falling into old behaviour patterns and conflicts with the new therapist.
