What is Transference?
Transference is a normal occurrence in a variety of human connections. Transference is the unconscious association of someone in the present with a past relationship. Because of the nature of therapy (e.g., discussing emotions and exploring past relationships), transference is very common in the therapy setting. However, people can experience transference in various environments and across multiple relationships. In therapy, your therapist may remind you of a teacher you had, which can make you view your therapist as caring and nurturing. In your personal relationships, transference can explain certain patterns you experience, such as continuously seeking partners with similar traits.
Is Transference Harmful?
Like many things in therapy, transference is neutral. Transference can be a good thing if you find yourself associating enjoyable memories and emotions with your therapist. You come to see your therapist as caring and trustworthy, which are two very important traits of the therapeutic alliance. However, if you find that you are associating negative experiences with your therapist, it may have the opposite effect. For example, if your therapist reminds you of your neglectful parent, you may redirect your anger to your therapist by canceling sessions, arriving late, and being resistant in treatment. Similarly, if your partner reminds you of a previous partner, you may find that you redirect some past hurt and anger in new arguments.
Find the Best Therapist in Chicago to Navigate Transference
Regardless of whether you believe the transference you are experiencing is negative or positive, it may be helpful to address it, but it is especially crucial to address any negative forms of transference. If you are experiencing negative transference towards your therapist, chances are they have noticed, but it can still be helpful to let them know. Transference can stem from unresolved trauma or past hurt, so letting your therapist know you are experiencing it can be instrumental to the therapeutic process. Your therapist can help you unpack the trauma and heal from it. Similarly, if you find yourself redirecting anger toward a current partner, it may be helpful to discuss it with them so they can better understand where the hurt is really stemming from.
At Roamers Therapy, our psychotherapists are here to support you through anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship issues, race-ethnicity issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, ADHD, Autism, or any challenges you encounter. Our psychotherapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Gottman Therapy.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue or need help navigating difficult emotions, we’re ready to assist you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a session with our mental health professionals to begin your healing journey. To get started with therapy, visit our booking page.
First, decide if you’ll be paying out-of-pocket or using insurance. If you’re a self-pay client, you can book directly through the “Book Now” page or fill out the “Self-Pay/Out-of-network Inquiry Form.” If you’re using insurance, fill out the “Insurance Verification Form” to receive details about your costs and availability. Please let us know your preferred therapist. If your preferred therapist isn’t available, you can join the waitlist by emailing us. Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive intake documents to complete before your first session.
This page is also part of the Roamers Therapy Glossary; a collection of mental-health related definitions that are written by our therapists.
While our offices are currently located at the South Loop neighborhood of Downtown Chicago and Lakeview on Chicago’s North Side, Illinois, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more. You can visit our contact page to access detailed information on our office location.