Clinician’s Program (2024-2025): Transference and Countertransference

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Transference and Countertransference

Presented by Susan Frankel, Ph.D.

In his writings, Jung made contradictory statements about transference and countertransference, leading to discussion and debate about his point of view.  His clearest views on the subject are described in detail in his essay Psychology of the Transference, which we discuss at length. We will identify the central differences between Freud’s and Jung’s positions on transference. We will also look at transference through the lens of post-Jungians. Most importantly we will discuss the use of transference/countertransference, as it is applied to psychotherapeutic practice.

Learning objectives: 

• Give an example of Jung’s contradictory remarks regarding transference and countertransference.
• Describe central differences between Jung’s and Freud’s position on the role of transference in treatment.
• Describe the evolution of the concept of transference as described by the post-Jungians.
• Give an example of similarities and differences between a Freudian and Jungian focus on transference in contemporary clinical practice.

Susan Frankel, J.D., Ph.D., is a Jungian analyst in practice in Century City. She practiced law for seven years before returning to graduate school in psychology. Her interests include working with trauma, infant observation, and intersubjective transference/countertransference. She has lectured both locally and nationally on the use of infant observation with adult patients.