The mirroring transference occurs when the analyst is experienced in fulfilling a structure-building function, a function the patient cannot yet perform for himself. A simple example of mirroring might occur when a parent shows a sense of delight with the child and conveys a sense of value and respect.
Mirroring: In this type of transference, others serve as a mirror that reflects back a sense of self-worth and value. Just as people use a mirror to check appearance, mirroring transference involves use of the affirming and positive responses of others to see positive traits within the self.
Mirroring involves assessing the outside responses of other individuals as a confirmation of self. For example, if a relative congratulates an individual on their lifestyle or choices, that person can internalize the positive reinforcement as a type of self-worth or value.
He called these: the mirroring transference, the idealizing transference and the twinship transference. Kohut's theory suggested that If these needs for mirroring, idealising and twinship were not adequately met, the child would not develop a healthy sense of self.
In general, Kohut discusses the therapeutic reactivation of the grandiose self in terms of what he calls the mirror transference.
As the two individuals in the situation display similar nonverbal gestures, they may believe that they share similar attitudes and ideas as well. Mirror neurons react to and cause these movements, allowing the individuals to feel a greater sense of engagement and belonging within the situation.
Narcissists engage in mirroring as a manipulative tactic to lure in and manipulate others to serve their own needs. They mirror to: Form their own sense of identity. Gain your trust and create a sense of intimacy. Gather information and power.
There are three types of transference in therapy: Positive transference. Negative transference. Sexualized transference.
More From encyclopedia.com. Transference , The term transference denotes a shift onto another person—usually the psychoanalyst—of feelings, desires, and modes of relating formerly organized or… Transfer. move (someone or something) from one place to anoth… Alter Ego.
'Self-object transference' refers to the idea that an individual can introject by transference another person's self-regulation and emotional stability – and then use this to self-soothe at times when that other person is not available.
Gestures - If we're in a conversation with someone who talks with their hands, we tend to do the same and often pick up similar movements. Mood - We also tend to unconsciously mirror the mood of those around us. If the people we're with are happy and upbeat, we may feel that way as well.
Positive Examples of Mirroring:
Waiting until someone has finished talking, and then paraphrasing or summarizing what they've said to make sure you've understood correctly can help to show you've truly heard and taken on board what they're trying to communicate.
If you have been in a relationship with a narcissist, you may have found they “copy” your behaviors, and your identity becomes their identity. This would be an example of mirroring in narcissism.
Sometimes you may hear the term “mirroring”. This is where you are precisely matching portions of the other person's behaviour. For example, matching someone's body language might mean adopting a relaxed posture if they have a relaxed posture.
“One of the biggest and most challenging aspects of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often 'The Chameleon Effect' – or 'mirroring'.
Mirroring is something we do with people we like or are interested in- we copy their body language, speech, facial expression and more. Mirroring body language is a non-verbal way to show empathy. It signals that we are connected to that person in some way.
Narcissistic transference is viewed as a process of emotional flux, in which soundings are taken at intervals in order to study the changes that the transference undergoes during treatment. In narcissistic transference, the patient experiences the analyst as a presence psychologically intertwined with his or her self.
The steps in dealing with transference
It is a matter for awareness, not reflection, as the therapist tunes into feelings that come up. The therapist steps back, disidentifies from the affective reaction and views it more objectively. The therapist identifies the client's affective state.
Signs of Transference in Therapy
Misplaced feelings: One person tells the other what they want to tell someone from their past, such as “stop trying to control me!” Inappropriate thoughts: An individual develops a crush or feels sexual attraction to the other person.
Sexualized transference is any transference in which the patient's fantasies about the analyst contain elements that are primarily reverential, romantic, intimate, sensual, or sexual.
Related. For others, mirroring is a manipulative tactic for achieving selfish, devious or damaging purposes. People with Machiavellian traits may use it to improve their social status or align others with their purposes.
This is known as 'mirroring'. When someone does this, it marks good communication and shows us that our interest is reciprocated. Mirroring also happens when talking to close friends as well as potential lovers, so be careful as you may misread signs of friendship as signs of love.
When you have body dysmorphic disorder, you intensely focus on your appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours each day.