It seems that transference can be defined a lot of different ways. I kind of like this one: "Transference is a psychological phenomenon in which an individual redirects emotions and feelings, often unconsciously, from one person to another."

I think we do it all the time with people. Something your spouse do reminds you of something your mother used to do and so you snap at spouse. So it makes sense that we do it with therapists. I'll be honest, I only ever seem to notice negative transference toward my therapists. I often feel positive feelings toward my therapists too, but it really seems like I actually like them...that I believe they are helpful to me, I'm not seeing them as a mother or father figure.

Cats do it too by the way. I've seen one of my cats get all upset because she hates one of the other cats. Then my poor unsuspecting husband walks by her and she attacks his feet. It's a little funny actually, although he doesn't think so.