Work on Transference? Work in Transference!

The development of the concept of transference led to an early differentiation into varying methods and objects of transference analysis, referred to in this paper as “work on transference” and “work in transference”. Work on transference applies to the objectifiable aspect of transference as expressed in the stereotyped, recurrent behaviour of the patient outside as well as within the analytical setting, in the present and the past. Work in transference accepts the patient's current conception of the relationship, taking it further as a conflictfilled and sometimes stressful dialogue. Work on transference often includes genetical reconstructions and makes it possible for the patient to gain rational insights into the constant features of his experience and behaviour. Its main benefit takes the form of enhanced perception. Work in transference is aimed at change: it allows the patient to work through the internalized conflicts in relationships during discussion with the analyst, and, in his way to attain new conceptions for action and new object representations.