On the edge: The psychoanalyst's transference¹

1. A previous version of this paper was presented at the Scandinavian Psychoanalytic Conference, Oslo, 1990.

Abstract

Countertransference is a central topic in analytic work and in the literature. The concept of countertransference includes a basic question which has been understood in different ways. The author attempts to differentiate between the psychoanalyst's transference and his countertransference in the analytic process. It is hard to draw a line between them; analysts are always on the edge. The analyst's transference will be explored and described using three approaches: narcissism, regression profile and the analyst's phase of life. Regression profile is a new concept developed by the author, which may help us to understand the core of the analyst's transference in the analytic situation. She illustrates the topic by clinical vignettes.

Key words:

• countertransference
• analyst's transference
• narcissism
• regression profile
• life phase

1. A previous version of this paper was presented at the Scandinavian Psychoanalytic Conference, Oslo, 1990.

1. A previous version of this paper was presented at the Scandinavian Psychoanalytic Conference, Oslo, 1990.

Notes

1. A previous version of this paper was presented at the Scandinavian Psychoanalytic Conference, Oslo, 1990.