In therapy, what is the term for the client's projections of feelings onto the therapist?

The term for the client's projections of feelings onto the therapist is transference. Transference occurs when a client unconsciously redirects emotions and feelings from past relationships or experiences onto the therapist. This process can involve projecting feelings of love, anger, or dependency onto the therapist, as the client begins to see the therapist as a stand-in for someone significant from their past, such as a parent or partner.

Transference is a key concept in psychodynamic therapy and can provide valuable insights into the client’s emotional world, helping to uncover unresolved conflicts and patterns in their relationships. By exploring these projections, therapists can assist clients in understanding their emotional responses and improving their interpersonal dynamics.

Countertransference, on the other hand, refers to the therapist's emotional reactions to the client, shaped by the therapist's own experiences and feelings. Resistance typically involves a client's reluctance to engage in the therapeutic process, while projection is a broader psychological defense mechanism involving the attribution of one’s own feelings or thoughts to others. Though these terms are related, transference specifically focuses on the client's projections onto the therapist.