Transference and Countertransference: A Practical Guide for Counsellors
Written by the ICPS College Academic Team · Reviewed by ICPS College faculty · Last reviewed: September 2026
Transference and countertransference are two of the most influential ideas to emerge from psychoanalysis. They describe the ways in which feelings and patterns from past relationships are brought into present ones, including the relationship between client and therapist. For psychodynamic practitioners they are not side effects of therapy but central sources of understanding.
What is transference?
Transference refers to the client's unconscious redirection of feelings, expectations and relational patterns from significant earlier figures, often parents or carers, onto the therapist. A client may expect criticism, seek approval, fear abandonment or feel intense warmth, and these responses may say more about their history than about the present relationship.
What is countertransference?
Countertransference was first seen by Freud as an obstacle arising from the analyst's own unresolved conflicts. Later writers, notably Paula Heimann, argued that the therapist's emotional responses can also be a valuable instrument for understanding the client. Feeling unusually bored, protective, irritated or sleepy in a session may be meaningful information.
Working with both in practice
Notice recurring feelings and themes in the relationship.
Distinguish, with supervision, what belongs to you and what may belong to the client.
Use interpretation carefully and at the right time, linking present patterns to past experience.
Maintain a consistent frame so that patterns can emerge and be understood.
Attend to the relationship itself as a place where change can happen.
Why these concepts matter beyond psychodynamic therapy
Even practitioners who work in other modalities benefit from understanding transference. It helps explain ruptures, strong reactions and stuck points, and it supports reflective, ethical practice.
Study psychodynamic counselling with ICPS College
The Professional Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling & Insight Therapy is a live-online specialist programme carrying 60 CPD credits, exploring unconscious processes and insight-oriented therapeutic work.
For a deeper study of Freudian and Lacanian theory, see also the Professional Diploma in Psychoanalysis.
Related ICPS College courses
Important information
This article is educational content for practitioners and learners. It is not a substitute for professional advice, counselling or therapy.
If you are struggling or in distress in Ireland, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 or text HELLO to 50808 at any time. In an emergency, call 112 or 999.
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