The immediate impact of transference interpretation in short-term individual psychotherapy

Interpretation of transference is a hallmark of psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy. Proponents of short-term individual (STI) approaches have been divided on the use of the technique, some stating that the time-limited format does not allow for exploration of transference while others advocate a more active and rigorous observation of transference manifestations. Recent theoretical formulations regarding transference, based on a cognitive-affective view of how individuals structure their experience, are summarized. A rationale for the technique of transference interpretation (TI) in the time-limited format is presented. A process analysis of the immediate impact of interpretation is described, and findings and examples of relationships involving the accuracy of TI are reviewed. The findings demonstrate that TIs can have a potent impact on the STI therapy process if employed judiciously and based on a careful formulation of the psychodynamics of the patient's presenting complaint.