Transference love

Transference is the general term designating some feelings that a patient develops for an analyst during the course of therapy. Transference love is that mixture of tender, erotic and sexual feelings which forms part of any positive transference (which may be partially reciprocated in a counter-transference). It can be experienced as a very powerful reality. The experience of such a reality is often sufficient to effect a cure, known as a "transference cure". The existence of such a transference is considered a prerequisite for analytical change. Nevertheless the subjective experience of transference love bears many similarities to that of romantic love, especially the deep connection with the person's innermost desires, feelings and imaginative powers. This love can create both the desire and the vehicle for fundamental change.