Syracuse Integrative Psychiatry

Transference occurs when we unconsciously redirect feelings from past relationships (usually parents) onto a person in the present (often the therapist). This isn't a mistake—it's a valuable opportunity to see your relationship patterns in real-time.

Recognizing Transference

Transference often shows up as strong feelings toward your therapist that seem "bigger" than the current situation warrants.

Common Signs of Transference

Feeling worried the therapist is judging or criticizing you.
Feeling a desperate need to please the therapist or be a "good client."
Feeling angry or rebellious if the therapist sets a boundary (e.g., ending on time).
Idealizing the therapist as the "perfect parent" you never had.
Feeling erotic or romantic attraction to the therapist.

Reflection: Who is in the Room?

Think about a recent strong emotion you felt toward your therapist (or an authority figure). Who does this feeling remind you of from your past?

The Corrective Emotional Experience

Therapy heals by offering a different outcome than the past. If you expect criticism but receive curiosity, a new neural pathway is formed.

Experiment: Next time you feel a strong reaction in therapy, try naming it: "I'm noticing I feel worried you are disappointed in me right now."

What do you fear would happen if you said this?

Transference & The Therapeutic Relationship

Recognizing Transference

Common Signs of Transference

Reflection: Who is in the Room?

The Corrective Emotional Experience