Let's switch to "you"? In the process of psychotherapeutic work, especially long-term work, sometimes you have to deal with the fact that the client offers to go on a first-name basis, or move the interaction to another territory (for example, hold a session in a cafe over a cup of coffee, or even go to the client’s home and conduct I'll meet you there). What might this indicate and is it worth agreeing with? In psychoanalysis, there is the concept of “transference,” and if you have encountered the phenomena described above in your practice, then we are most likely talking about it. The concept of “transference” was first described by Sigmund Freud, who initially believed that the appearance of “transference” is extremely undesirable, is a consequence of the client’s resistance and interferes with the progress of therapy. However, he later came to the conclusion that "transference" is a very important therapeutic mechanism. “Transfer” is associated with the unconscious transfer of previously experienced feelings by the client from one person (usually feelings and attitudes towards mother, father) to another (the psychotherapist). Mostly we are talking about childhood experiences. Thus, by studying the “transfer” that has arisen in the process of psychoanalytic interaction, we can understand the client more. There are both positive and negative “transfer”. Accordingly, the feelings that arise towards the psychotherapist can have different colors. In addition, an erotic “transference” may occur, as a result of which the client may experience erotic feelings in relation to the psychotherapist, a feeling of falling in love. The psychotherapist should not avoid talking about the feelings that have arisen; on the contrary, it is important to discuss them with the client and analyze them. It also happens that the therapist also has certain feelings towards the client, which in psychoanalysis is defined by the concept of “countertransference”. A correct understanding of “countertransference” is also an important component of the psychotherapeutic process. It is important to discuss any “countertransference” that arises with your supervisor. Therefore, if your client has suggested switching to “you” or changing the scope of the psychotherapeutic session, it is important to discuss this with him, remembering the need to comply with the “psychologist’s code of ethics.” Psychoanalyst Oksana Bardaevag. Kaliningrad, 89114517685