Transference in individual and group psychotherapy

Journal/Book: Gruppenpsychother Gruppendyn. 1996; 32: Theaterstrasse 13, Postfach 77, W-37070 Gottingen, Germany. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. 112-123.

Abstract: Primary object images as well as generalized images of men and women or of human beings regardless of sex, derived from primary object images, can be transfered. This paper addresses the constitution of primary and secondary images in a patient's inner world, the ways they are transfered and how transferences can be dissolved. Transferences are triggered by the therapist or the members of a group. However, the patient perceives the therapist selectively, and thus keeps away information that might cause cognitive dissonance between transference expectations and the therapist's real behavior. Secondary internal images, like those of ''men'' and ''women'' are formaed by abstraction and integration. These processes can be disturbed in typical ways. Genetic interpretations reestablish the links with the original objects. Therapeutic change can occur without genetic interpretations on the basis of information the patient gains about the object or objects he transfers to. However, a patient may try to ward off such information by projective identification that can make his transference expectations come true.

Note: Article K Konig, Univ Gottingen, ABT Klin, Grp Psychotherapie, Waldweg 35, D-37073 Gottingen, Germany

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