Transference
Transference is a phenomenon in psychology characterized by unconcious redirection of feelings from a one person to another. For instance, one could mistrust somebody who resembles an abusive parent or an ex-spouse in external appearance, manners or even someone who simply has the same name.
In context of patient-therapist situation, transference refers to redirection of the patient's feelings from a significant person in their life to the therapist. Counter-transference is defined as redirection of the therapist's feelings toward the patient, or more generally as the therapist's emotional involvement with the patient.
Transference was first described by Freud, who aknowledged its importance for psychoanalysis for better understanding of the patient's feelings experienced during childhood. Transference is often manifested as an erotic attraction towards the therapist, but it's also common for patients to transfer feelings from their parents or children. The later may be a problem when treating elderly patients.
Transference and counter-transference are often characterized as useful tools for building trust between the patient and the therapist. On the other hand, counter-transference could interefere with the therapist's ability therapist’s ability to understand the patient and may adversely affect the treatment.
See also