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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ziggy2004 on April 19, 2004, at 1:37:26
I was wondering if someone could define the term "Transferance". I think I have a basic understanding of what it is, however, I was trying to find more info on the topic, but can't seem to find more information or a clear definition of it. If "Transferance" is only a slang term for the technical term, the real name for it would be helpful also.
I was told that I was currently dealing with "Transferance" in my life, that's why I'm trying to do a little research on the topic so I can get a better idea of what was meant and how to deal with it.
Any help on this is greatly appreciated, thanx!!
ziggy2004 ;-)
Posted by Dinah on April 19, 2004, at 9:14:42
In reply to Transferance, definition?, posted by ziggy2004 on April 19, 2004, at 1:37:26
Unfortunately, there isn't one agreed upon definition.
Narrowly construed, it means taking the feelings we have for others in our lives (our parents for example) and transfering them to someone else (our therapist for example). So if you saw your mother as controlling, you'll interpret your therapist's actions as controlling even if they aren't.
A bit wider, and it's the habitual ways we have of interacting with people.
Some people define transference as the feelings that crop up for our therapist caused by both our own unique past and the rather unusual relationship that is therapy, and some also toss in all feelings we have for our therapist.
So the first step would be finding out how whoever told you you were experiencing transference defines it.
Posted by shadows721 on April 19, 2004, at 15:11:39
In reply to Transferance, definition?, posted by ziggy2004 on April 19, 2004, at 1:37:26
Transferance is usually an over reaction or an unusual reaction to someone, something, or a situation in the present. It happens, because there is an issue that remains unresolved. It stems back usually to childhood wounds.
Here is an example: The t looks at her watch. The client blows up at the t. "You aren't listening to me." "No one listens to me." T reasures the client that he was listening attentively.
The client is not realizing that these are feelings from childhood. The client was molested as a child and tried to tell about it to his family, but they didn't listen. Until the client realizes this transference, the client will blame and acuse the t for continuing to not listen to him. Transference can end a therapeutic alliance unless it discovered and worked through.
Another example, the client states he freezes around his boss. He doesn't understand why. The boss has done nothing to harm him. The client unconsciously thinks the boss is like the perpetrator of his past. The transference needs to be worked through, so that the client doesn't react to the boss as he did with his abuser as a child.
Transference is powerful. It is a clear sign that there is something deeper from our past that we need to address as an adult.
Posted by Penny on April 19, 2004, at 15:31:57
In reply to Transferance, definition?, posted by ziggy2004 on April 19, 2004, at 1:37:26
One thing to remember about transference that I get a feeling is often misunderstood - just because the feelings are connected to feelings you had about someone in your past, doesn't mean those feelings aren't *real* or justified. But because the feelings are real and justified also doesn't mean they don't stem from your past experiences. Does that make sense?
P
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