Psychology Concepts
Transference is the process in which clients respond to us (project) with
feelings and attitudes that they had toward significant people in their lives
such a parents and siblings. It happens in all relationships, not just
with clients. You can tell when someone is transferring (or projecting)
when the response to something seems over-reactive. You can tell when you
are in transference when you get a severe "gut" reaction to something
and it usually displays itself in anger or pain. Learning to recognize
transference in yourself and in others is essential for building a successful
practice. Creating and maintaining strong boundaries is essential in
working with clients who are in transference with you.
Counter-transference
occurs when we react to clients from our feelings and attitudes that come from
our past relationships with parents and family. It often comes in the form
of feeling a need to "fix" clients and constantly give them advice. It
can be seen when we feel we are called to "help others" rather than be
of service to others. Rescuing clients and participating on the Drama
Triangle in relationships is counter-transference. When we work with clients to
get our own needs met it sets up an agenda for healing and takes away from the
clients' experience. The client is paying you to be there for them, not to
have you project all of your unmet needs onto them. It happens often in the
healing professions, as we are often drawn to the very thing we need most to
heal ourselves. Building a practice with clear boundaries is they way to work
with transference and counter-transference issues and build a safe container for
healing.
Projection - the act of transferring feelings from the
past into the present moment. It is an unconscious act that most everyone
does. Becoming aware of our projections is important in any and all
relationships.
The Drama Triangle
Feelings -Needs at the heart of feelings.
False Beliefs
Bonding, Attachment and Attunement
