ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the substantive concepts of transference and countertransference in psychodynamic psychotherapy. It examines the transference and how this has been seen over time before arriving at a working definition. The chapter considers how to recognise the transference in a session and explores different manifestations including positive and negative transference, the transference neurosis and the cautionary tale. It looks at how to interpret the transference as well as working with the transference in psychotherapy using Malan’s triangle of person. The transference is ubiquitous, by which people mean it is found everywhere. In the therapeutic situation, the transference begins before the patient has even met the therapist. The analytic setting and attitude of the therapist promotes the development of the transference. Anna Freud adopted a benevolent attitude towards the defences our patients utilise. The transference is an unconscious communication whereby internal object relationships are transferred on to the therapist.
