The metaphor of a storm is identified as an emotionally compelling image frequently used in literary productions throughout history. It is proposed that a careful examination of the structural properties of the storm metaphor and their correspondences with the therapeutic process will illuminate the emotional nature of change in the transference relationship. As such, the transference storm is a process concept. It denotes the progressive character of derivative manifestations in treatment. It offers a means of recognizing the significance of events leading to the emergence of acute transference feelings. It is offered as an initial and prototypical concept for developing clinical process theory. Finally, in this respect, it provides for a description of the unfolding of analytic investigation; and it does so without the constraint of theoretical or diagnostic specificity, while avoiding the vagueness of eclectic approaches.