Transference and countertransference in couples therapy

This article, initially presented as part of the series “Lectures from the Tavistock Relationship Model”, aims to give a brief overview of the development and current understanding and usage of the central psychoanalytic concepts of transference and countertransference in psychoanalytic couple therapy. The article discusses the clinical manifestations of the above concepts and compares and contrasts these phenomena in couple work with how they might manifest in individual analytic treatment. The author argues that the terrain of transference and countertransference in analytically informed couple therapy is multi‐layered, offering challenges and opportunities for the therapist. Some of the clinical challenges of working analytically with couples in the transference and formulating interpretations based on the therapist’s countertransference are highlighted. It is suggested that, while the triangular setting of psychoanalytic couple therapy can invite enactments that draw in the therapist, these enactments taking place in the triadic setting made up of the couple and their therapist also offer rich opportunities for working through the couple‐patients’ deepseated oedipal complexes which permeate the problematic relationship presented in couple therapy. The above is illustrated throughout by reference to historical texts from the Tavistock Relationship tradition, as well as literary examples, such as Jane Austen’s novel, 'Persuasion'.