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January 13 1986 TRANSFERENCE RELATIONSHIPS, THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN TRANSFERENCES AND RECONSTRUCTION. Theodore J. Jacobs, M.D.
Dr. Jacobs discussed the relationship between the multiple and shifting transferences that occur in every analysis and demonstrated ways in which this might be investigated to provide clues to the process of reconstruction. In his case examples, exploration of the relationship between the various transferences resulted in insight into forgotten pieces of history, as well as into the defenses against remembering and working through of particular traumatic events. Dr. Jacobs cautioned that his focus on aspects of transference that relate to object relationships was meant only to simplify the presentation, as was his discussing sequences as if they represented a smooth progression. He also pointed out that many other factors are involved in the ultimate timing and sequence of the emergence of transferences, so that they do not necessarily reflect a corresponding developmental sequence or exact reliving of past events.
The first example presented was from the analysis of a young woman who, while obviously capable and trustworthy, regarded herself as an impostor and avoided intimate relationships out of fear that her false and disingenuous character would be revealed. Initially, there was little revealed in the way of early family relationships, historical events, unconscious fantasies, or guilt that might have provided an explanation for these feelings (except perhaps for intense masturbatory conflict).
The patient was born into a family in which social position was of overriding importance. The initial transference related to her mother, whose social schedule was the child's primary competitor. In the analytic situation, she imagined that Dr. Jacobs had a very active social life and gave greater attention to other patients. She behaved toward him as she imagined her mother might have wanted: she was well behaved, obedient, and reliable.