Psychology In Seattle Podcast Fearful Transference (2016 Rerun)
Nov 20, 2025
Explore the complexities of fearful transference in therapy, as a young client grapples with her trust and fear of her male therapist. Hear how early life experiences shape perceptions and influence therapeutic relationships. Discover why growing closeness can trigger anxiety for survivors of trauma and the importance of discussing these fears openly. Learn how relational therapy can foster healing and trust over time, and why communication about feelings is essential in the therapeutic journey.
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Client Became Terrified As Trust Deepened
- Kirk Honda recounts a long-term client who grew closer to him then became terrified during sessions for no rational reason.
- The client's fear turned out to be linked to past abuse by men and emerged as she became more dependent.
Transference As Displaced Early Wounds
- Kirk Honda defines transference as displacing internalized early-relationship difficulties onto the therapist.
- He emphasizes transference is a distortion, unconscious, and serves to alleviate psychic pain.
Trust Can Trigger Past-Fear Reenactment
- As trust and vulnerability with a therapist increase, clients can paradoxically feel more vulnerable to being hurt.
- This fear can be a reenactment of past abuse, not an accurate appraisal of the therapist's safety.