What does "transference" mean in the context of psychoanalysis?

Transference refers to the phenomenon where patients unconsciously project their emotions, feelings, and experiences from past relationships onto the therapist. This is a fundamental concept in psychoanalysis, as it allows for examination of these transferred feelings, enabling both the therapist and patient to explore the underlying issues and dynamics that affect the patient's current relationships and emotional state.

By projecting their emotions onto the therapist, patients might react to the therapist in ways that mirror their feelings toward significant figures from their past, such as parents or other caregivers. This projection is not limited to negative feelings but can also involve positive feelings, allowing the therapist to gain insight into the patient’s emotional patterns.

Understanding transference is crucial for therapeutic progress, as it can reveal unresolved conflicts and assist in developing healthier relational patterns. It emphasizes the importance of the therapist's role in observing and interpreting these projections in the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, recognizing transference helps illuminate both the patient’s internal world and the dynamics at play in therapy.