A neuroscience perspective on transference

Neuroscience research has deepened our understanding of the phenomenon of transference. Neural network theory has taught us that representations are created by forming, strengthening, or pruning connections between neurons. These representations are multiple and help dispel the notion of “the transference.” There are multiple transferences that come into play in varying degrees in every analysis. Similarly, real characteristics of the analyst play a major role in which representations are activated in any specific dyad of analyst and patient. Hence the constructivist notion of the analyst's contributions to the transference are reinforced by neural network theory. Two distinct memory systems come into play in the creation of transference—both implicit declarative and implicit procedural elements can be found in the component of transference in the clinical setting. Research findings using functional neural imaging with borderline patients also suggest neural anatomical correlates of transference. Finally, neuroscience research leads to a more precise understanding of the therapeutic action of psychoanalysis and the fate of transferences.