tood within the approach to transference and counter-transference dynamics. Unconscious fantasy concerns surface in the form of transference and represent needs for action or conflict concerning action. The patient may be attempting to get the analyst to act in a certain manner to confirm fantasies. Thus regardless of content, the unconscious transference is an instrument of action and reaction in current situations. The analyst intervenes and interprets the fantasies and this interpretation needs to include the action element. In this way transference and counter-transference serve as analytic tools which assist with the therapeutic process.
To provide an empathetic and safe therapeutic situation, the analyst must understand that transference and counter-transference include various aspects that are forms of communication. The analyst's response to the patient's transference allows for an instrument of research into the unconscious of the patient. It is important for the therapist to be receptive to the patient's unconscious communication and the therapist's resonance reflects this receptivity. The therapist needs to have access to these communications and to insure this access, the therapist must guard against misuse of counter transference in their interpretation of the patient.
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