Transference Resistance: A Review of Current Evidence
Abstract
Transference resistance (TR) is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when individuals are resistant to forming transference relationships with their therapists. It is a form of resistance to the therapeutic process and can interfere with the development of a healthy and trusting therapeutic relationship. The purpose of this review is to explore the existing literature on TR and to discuss the various factors that can contribute to its presence in the therapeutic relationship. The review also provides a brief overview of the potential implications of TR in terms of treatment outcomes and approaches to working with TR in the therapeutic setting.
Introduction
Transference resistance (TR) is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals are resistant to forming transference relationships with their therapists. Transference is a form of projection in which individuals transfer feelings, thoughts, and behaviors from past relationships onto their current relationship with the therapist (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2016). It is a natural part of the therapeutic process and is often seen as a form of resistance to the therapeutic process. TR can interfere with the development of a healthy and trusting therapeutic relationship and can have a negative impact on treatment outcomes. The purpose of this review is to explore the existing literature on TR and to discuss the various factors that can contribute to its presence in the therapeutic relationship.
Literature Review
The literature on TR is sparse but suggests that there are several factors that can contribute to its presence in the therapeutic relationship. Studies have suggested that TR is more likely to occur in individuals who have a history of trauma (Kerr & Sullivan, 2013; Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2016). It has also been suggested that TR can be exacerbated by a therapist’s lack of understanding of the client’s experiences, feelings, and needs (Kerr & Sullivan, 2013). Additionally, TR can be viewed as a form of defense mechanism (Kerr & Sullivan, 2013). In this context, clients may be resistant to forming a transference relationship with their therapist in order to protect themselves from past trauma or painful experiences.
Other factors that may contribute to TR include a client’s fear of intimacy and vulnerability, as well as a lack of trust in the therapeutic relationship (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2016). Additionally, clients who are highly anxious or who have difficulty regulating their emotions may be more likely to experience TR (Kerr & Sullivan, 2013). Finally, TR can also be associated with a client’s unwillingness to explore their feelings and experiences in the therapeutic setting (Kerr & Sullivan, 2013).
Implications
The presence of TR in the therapeutic relationship can have a significant impact on treatment outcomes. TR can interfere with the development of a healthy and trusting therapeutic relationship and can lead to feelings of mistrust and frustration in both the client and the therapist. Additionally, TR can lead to a decrease in the client’s motivation to explore their feelings and experiences in the therapeutic setting, which can limit the effectiveness of the treatment (Kerr & Sullivan, 2013).
Conclusion
Transference resistance (TR) is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals are resistant to forming transference relationships with their therapists. The literature on TR is sparse but suggests that there are several factors that can contribute to its presence in the therapeutic relationship, such as a history of trauma, lack of trust in the therapeutic relationship, difficulty regulating emotions, and a fear of intimacy and vulnerability. The presence of TR can interfere with the development of a healthy and trusting therapeutic relationship and can lead to feelings of mistrust and frustration in both the client and the therapist. Additionally, TR can lead to a decrease in the client’s motivation to explore their feelings and experiences in the therapeutic setting, which can limit the effectiveness of the treatment.
References
Kerr, M. B., & Sullivan, M. M. (2013). Transference resistance in psychotherapy: A review of the literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(5), 439-448.
Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2016). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice: Skills, strategies, and techniques (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.