A note on transference and alliance: I. Transference--variations on a theme

Conceptual and pragmatic difficulties are encountered in relating and differentiating transference from alliance. Transference and alliance, along with the real relationship, are component elements of the analytic relationship, and are mutually involved in intermingling and interaction at all points of the analytic process. Variants of transference are discussed with an eye to distinguishing their differentiation from and relationship to alliance components and functions. Forms of transference differentiated are classical transferences (libidinal and aggressive), transference neuroses, transference psychoses, narcissistic transferences, selfobject transferences, transitional relatedness, transferences as psychic reality, and relational or intersubjective transferences. Transference mechanisms--specifically displacement, projection, and projective identification--and their role in transference development are discussed. Differences in the concept of transference conceived classically as opposed to relationally or intersubjectively are explored. Therapeutic advantages and limits of these differentiations are considered.