Positive sibling transference: Theoretical and clinical dimensions

The sibling dimensions of transference and countertransference have been neglected in favor of a parent-child transference model. This preference for the parent-child model reflected the paternalistic, positivist assumptions of traditional psychoanalysis. Developments of collaborative and postmodern psychoanalytic therapies make the sibling transference more recognizable and understandable. This paper emphasizes the positive sibling transference; possible directions for further exploration of the sibling transference dynamic are indicated. Clinical illustrations are given from child and family therapies.