Cj. Gelso et al., Describing the face of transference: Psychodynamic therapists' recollections about transference in cases of successful long-term therapy, J COUN PSYC, 46(2), 1999, pp. 257-267
This study used the consensual qualitative research method to address quest
ions about therapists' perceptions of transference in long-term therapy: Ho
w does transference operate? How is transference dealt with and resolved? W
hat problems do therapists encounter with transference? Eleven dynamically
oriented therapists were interviewed by phone about a successful case in wh
ich transference was an important part of treatment. On the basis of therap
ists' recollections, findings suggested that transference operated in a com
plex manner in terms of source, valence, themes, and the events influencing
it; therapists used a wide range of techniques (nonanalytic and analytic)
to deal with transference; working alliance, real relationship, and client
emotional insight importantly influenced the resolution of transference; an
d a variety of countertransference reactions and mistakes were encountered
when dealing with transference.