Is projective identification the same as countertransference?

Concordant Countertransference. Also known as projective identification, this can be seen as the beginning of parallel process. In short, the client projects their unbearable feelings onto the counsellor, who experiences them as if reliving a bad experience from their own past.

Is projective identification transference?

At this point we will offer a narrower definition: transference is the displacement onto the other in the present of object representations from the past. If a self representation is put onto the other, that is proj ection or projective identification.

What is an example of projective identification?

One of the best examples of projective identification comes from the movie Good Will Hunting. In the movie the therapist Sean (played by Robin Williams) loses his cool and grabs the client (Will) by the throat in an angry outburst. This is completely inappropriate behaviour for a therapist to engage in.

What is the difference between projection and transference?

How is it different from projection? Projection and transference are very similar. They both involve you attributing emotions or feelings to a person who doesn’t actually have them. The difference between the two is where the misattributions occur.

What is the difference between projection and projective identification?

PROJECTIVE IDENTIFICATION. The main difference between projection and projective identification is that the former belongs to intrapsychic dynamics, while the latter describes a very primitive form of relating. In terms of feelings experienced by the projector there is a clear difference between the two phenomena.

What are signs of countertransference?

Warning Signs of Counter-Transference

• An unreasonable dislike for the client or excessive positive feelings about the client.
• Becoming over-emotional and preoccupied with the client’s case between sessions.
• Dreading the therapy session or feeling uncomfortable during the session.

What’s the difference between projection and projective identification?

The main difference between projection and projective identification is that the former belongs to intrapsychic dynamics, while the latter describes a very primitive form of relating. When projective identification is at work, the projector feels at one with the other person.

Who came up with projective identification?

Projective identification theory This phenomenon, usually pretty common between those in a close relationship with one another, was observed and named by British psychoanalyst Melanie Klein as Projective Identification.

What does Klein mean by projective identification?

(2) In the object relations theory of Melanie Klein, projective identification is a defense mechanism in which a person fantasizes that part of their ego is split off and projected into the object in order to harm or to protect the disavowed part.

What are the three types of transference?

There are three types of transference:

• Positive.
• Negative.
• Sexualized.

Is projection a mental illness?

Projection and Mental Health Concerns Projection, one main mechanism of paranoia, is also frequently a symptom of narcissistic and borderline personalities.

What is an example of countertransference?

Countertransference examples: A clinician offers advice versus listening to the client’s experience. A clinician inappropriately discloses personal experiences during the session. A clinician doesn’t have boundaries with a client.

What are the concepts of projective identification and countertransference?

The concepts of projective identification and countertransference represent a major transition in world views, from the modern towards the post-modern position. The ‘modern’ world view, to which Klein belongs, holds that therapists are specialists who represent the truth, who have objective knowledge, and a modern mindset to support them.

What’s the difference between projective and complementary counteridentification?

To begin with, confusion only arises with regard to the difference between “projective counteridentification” and “complementary countertransference “. “Concordant countertransferences” are related to the empathic link towards the patient, the desire to understand him and deal with identifications which are accepted in the analyst’s conscience.

What are the side effects of projective identification?

The effects of projective identification are strong and can produce intense countertransference reactions. Certain aspects of the intrapsychic and interpersonal communications between therapist and patient can continue beyond the hour or even past termination.

What to look for in countertransference and transference?

There are various signs to look out for that might suggest you are experiencing countertransference. For example, you may become aware that you are feeling nurturing, rescuing or critical towards the client. This suggests you have entered parent mode. This reinforces their child role, meaning you are encouraging them to stay suspended there.