Question

What is positive transference?

Hint:

Remember that {transference} is about transferring past feelings onto the therapist. {Positive transference} involves "good" feelings like love and admiration, while {negative transference} involves "bad" feelings like anger and mistrust.

Answer 1

Positive transference is a concept from psychoanalytic theory. It refers to the process in which a patient unconsciously displaces or transfers positive feelings, attitudes, and desires from significant relationships in their past (typically with parents or early caregivers) onto the therapist.
In this situation, the patient might idealize the therapist, develop a strong admiration or attachment, or see the therapist as a wise, caring, and trustworthy figure. These feelings are not based on the actual therapeutic relationship but are a re-enactment of past relationships.
While positive transference can help build a strong therapeutic alliance initially, the therapist's goal is to help the patient understand these feelings and their origins, which provides insight into their unresolved conflicts and relationship patterns.