Describing the face of transference: Psychodynamic therapists' recollections about transference in cases of successful long-term therapy

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.