Trust, Mystery, Love and The Search for Wholeness Stories of Transference and Countertransference in The Gospels

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this presentation is to contribute to the archetypal aspects of the transference and the countertransference through an exploration of the Christian imagery, strengthening the relationship between religion and analytical psychology. C.G. Jung thought that the transference had a key role in the healing process, allowing the doctor to take over the patient’s suffering, so it can be shared, explored creatively, and integrated into consciousness. He believed that this type of relationship could also have archetypal aspects beside personal ones, triggering projections such as the saviour complex on the side of the patient and identifications with the wounded-healer on the side of the therapist. Building on Jung’s and the post-Jungians’ insightful remarks, this presentation will investigate the transference dynamics in the stories of the Gospel, drawing parallels between the analytic couple on the one hand and Christ and his community on the other. In particular, it will focus on aspects such as trust and mystery, love that heals and the endless search for wholeness, considering both episodes of healing and spiritual rebirth, like The Bleeding Woman, and of preaching and revelation, like The Road to Emmaus. KEYWORDS: gospel, transference, analytical psychology