Transference And Countertransference

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Transference and Countertransference Sally Taylor Nor dip Transference and countertransference Introduction: In this essay, I am looking at the presence of transference and countertransference within the therapeutic relationship. I will offer my understanding of definitions and use examples to demonstrate – illustrate in what ways transference and countertransference can be usefully employed as a tool to facilitate the client’s development of self. A brief history: Transference has a long history almost a long as psychoanalysis. First described by Freud in the 1890’s, and was initially seen as a regrettable phenomenon which interfered with analylitical work of uncovering hidden memories and wishes, however, it quickly became one of the cornerstones of psychoanalysis and an influence for most forms of psychotherapy. Freud came to realise that transference provided him with the most powerful to the effect of bringing insight and facilitate the working through (Freud 1914). Of particular importance was the phenomenon he described as transference neurosis, which meant that at a point in therapy, the transference became so strong that the significant problems of the client would manifest themselves in the relationship with the therapist. (Freud 1914) Later combinations, such as Jung or Storolow or even Melanie Klein, and more recently authors like Kohut made readjustments and redefinitions to the concept, introducing important ideas like the one of intersubjectivity and self psychology. For example, Kohut’s work has developed into the study of selfobject experiences, that nourish the self and self-esteem. He understood the self from an empathic standpoint as our sense of being an independent centre of initiative and perception. Bearing in mind, that he believed the self could not be defined or properly described, also the whole person or inner
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