Mapping transference: the key to analytic CAT

This workshop offers a chance to explore a distinctively CAT approach to the dynamics and therapeutic uses of transference and countertransference.  Its focus is on the push and pull of the feelings and emotional roles in the interpersonal relationship and intersubjective spaces within and between client and therapist.  These are often hard to notice, name and negotiate in session and need their own allocated mapping time and space in supervision. The temptations are: to bypass thinking about them; give them lipservice only; or rush to formulation and resolution too quickly.  We propose a three stage model to transference dynamics:

• Pre-transference intimations and anticipations of something going on
• In transference feelings in the air between us and around us (pushing and pulling for responses) which cause anxiety and a call for help in hovering and shimmering with them long enough to be able to find meanings, words and communications for them
• 'Landing' transference on us or in us as one or another emotional role impact and response.  

Mapping, conversationally or reflective with pen and paper can help externalise, give voice to and stay long enough with the uncertainty and push and pull of these flights and landings of transferences and counter transferences to make sense and therapeutic use of them by provisional discovering a narrative.  

We want to rekindle or extend interest in the important of transference process by developing 'transference awareness and sensitivity' Participants will work with a transference checklist with some sample maps and use these to map out their own unique experience. The workshop concludes with a provisional mapping of and writing to our own 'counter-transference driven' therapist's styles.  

This workshop will be of value to both those who feel this is a neglected area of their practice and those who feel familiar with the central role of transference in CAT but would like to refresh and stretch their work in supervision from a relational and psychodynamic point of view.  

The workshop will be co facilitated by Steve Potter and Amy Thomson. 

Steve Potter  has been using pen and paper conversations to enhance his use of CAT's conceptual tools for three decades. He uses bits of mapping and writing in voice focused ways to help him work through the unformulated emotions coming up in therapy.  He is a past chair of ACAT, the first chair of ICATA and has taught CAT widely in the UK and Internationally. he is the author of two books on CAT. www.mapandtalk.com

Amy Thomson is a CAT therapist who has over 20 years experience working within mental health in the NHS, voluntary and private sector. She has a background in Philosophy and has developed a depth of understanding around how we can support ourselves and others to encourage authentic growth and connection within our uniquely human experience.