What does transference in coaching refer to?

Transference in coaching refers to the phenomenon where clients project feelings, thoughts, and past experiences onto their coach. This psychological process can result from the client's memories and emotional experiences influencing their perceptions and reactions during coaching sessions. For instance, a client may unconsciously respond to the coach as they did to a significant figure in their past, such as a parent or mentor. By recognizing and working through these projections, a coach can help clients gain insight into their behaviors and patterns, ultimately facilitating their personal and professional development.

Conscious empathy shown by the coach, while vital in a coaching relationship, does not encompass the essence of transference, which is about the client's emotional responses rather than the coach's qualities. A goal-setting technique and a method for evaluating performance are unrelated concepts, as they focus on specific coaching tactics rather than addressing the deeper psychological dynamics that occur during the coaching process.