The Function of Transference Interpretations in Klenian Therapy

Abstract

In this paper, the function of transference interpretation in Kleinian therapy is evaluated. In the beginning, definition of transference and transference interpretation is given in general terms. The term of transference refers to attributed emotions, attitudes, and phantasies from past towards a person in the present that are inappropriate for that person. Transference interpretations aim to reveal inappropriate attributions towards the therapist made by the patient. The term of transference offered with more rigorous and detailed definition in Kleinian theory, and transference is perceived as more inclusive. It is perceived as it starts from the beginning of therapy. As transference gains more importance in Kleinian therapy, transference interpretations become vital as well. Klein’s theory is based on object relations school and, thus, that the understanding of transference includes internalized objects. In Kleinian understanding, transference and transference interpretations takes place in the center of therapeutic work. Negative transference interpretations are significant as they enable the patient turn to the therapist. Additionally, as it is believed that all mental states carry the transferetial material, therapy is evaluated in the terms of the total situation. Total situation refers to all material in analytic work, both conscious associations and unconscious projections are valuable for understanding the transference, therefore, all analytic materials might be used for transference interpretations. Contemporary Kleinian therapists emphasized the importance of immediate ‘here and now’ interpretations. beginning. Then, Klenian theory is introduced very briefly. After that, highlighted points on transference and transference interpretations in Klenian therapy are investigated in details: Transference reactions as externalization of unconscious phantasy, emphasis on negative transference, the total therapeutic situation as a transferential material, interpretation of projective identification and part-objects in the transference. In conclusion, a general view of Klenian therapy is drawn and contemporary Klenian technique is mentioned. Transference Reactions The first time, transference became an issue in psychoanalysis was with Dora case of Sigmund Freud [1]. Then, it is believed that transference reactions bring out the vital materials of psychoanalytic work. Transference reactions supplies the essential information about repressed past experiences of the patient [2]. Transference is the experiencing of feelings, drives, attitudes, fantasies, and defenses toward a person in the present which are inappropriate to that person and are a repetition, a displacement of reactions originating in regard to significant persons of early childhood [2]. The transferred material does not have to reflect the reality. As an example of transference reaction, Habip [3] mentions about her patient who transferred the rash and impatient aspect of her mother to Habip as her therapist, and talks very rapidly without noticing important points of her story such as the death of her father. Habip soon realized that the patient was not the rash and rapid one but Habip was as a transference figure. Review ARticle