What is transference in therapy?

Transference in therapy is a phenomenon where clients project feelings, thoughts, and attitudes that they have about significant figures in their lives—such as parents, caregivers, or past relationships—onto the therapist. This concept is rooted in psychodynamic theory and can reveal unresolved conflicts from the client's past, offering valuable insight into their emotional and relational patterns.

When a therapist becomes the recipient of these projected feelings, it provides a unique opportunity to explore the client’s internal world and understand how past experiences shape their current relationships and behaviors. By working through these transference reactions, therapists can help clients gain insight, process emotions, and facilitate personal growth.

In contrast to the other options, transference is not merely a method for changing behavior or a technique strictly for confronting fears, nor is it limited to couples therapy. It is a broader clinical concept relevant across various therapeutic settings and modalities.