Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

In Gestalt therapy, how is a therapist likely to respond to a client's transference toward them as a parental figure?

1. Ignoring it

2. Temporarily assuming the role of the client's father

3. Helping the client understand how past relationships affect current ones

4. Helping the client see the difference between her transference and reality

The correct answer is: Helping the client see the difference between her transference and reality

In Gestalt therapy, a therapist’s approach to transference involves aiding the client in recognizing and distinguishing their emotional experiences rooted in past relationships from current realities. By helping the client to see the difference between their transference—such as viewing the therapist as a parental figure—and the actual dynamics of the therapeutic relationship, the therapist encourages awareness and self-exploration. This process is integral to Gestalt therapy, as it emphasizes awareness of one’s feelings and experiences in the present moment. By focusing on this differentiation, the therapist supports the client in understanding how unresolved feelings from previous relationships can manifest in the therapeutic context. This can lead to a richer exploration of the client’s feelings and behaviors, fostering personal growth and insight. The other options do not align with the principles of Gestalt therapy. Ignoring transference does not facilitate awareness or growth, temporarily assuming a parental role may further entrench the transference without addressing its roots, and simply discussing past relationships would not place enough emphasis on the client’s current emotional state and lived experiences. Thus, guiding the client to recognize the distinction between transference and reality is essential to moving forward in therapy.