What is Projection?

Projection is a psychological defense mechanism in which individuals attribute their own unwanted thoughts, feelings, assumptions or impulses to others. In psychodynamic theory, projection operates unconsciously, which allows a person to avoid confronting aspects of themselves that feel threatening, shameful, inconsistent, or unwanted with their self-image. For example, someone who is struggling with anger they cannot acknowledge may instead perceive others as being hostile toward them.

River in the Catskills, Painting by Thomas Cole, 1843

This mechanism serves a short-term protective function, which shields the individual from uncomfortable self-awareness and reducing internal conflict. However, over time, relying too much on projection can distort relationships and perceptions of reality. An individual may struggle to see others clearly as they misattributing their own inner experiences to the external world, which can create misunderstandings, tension, miscommunication, or feelings of persecution.

In psychotherapy, projection usually comes up in the context of relationships, including the therapeutic relationship. For example, a patient might assume that the therapist is judging or rejecting them when these feelings actually stem from the patient’s own inner criticisms. Recognizing these patterns can offer insights into long-term emotional conflicts, which can often be traced back to early relational experiences and attachment dynamics.

Landscape with Rainbow, Painting by Robert S. Duncanson, 1859

Exploring projection in psychodynamic therapy involves gently helping patients notice the disconnect between their perceptions of others and their internal emotional states. This process requires a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where patients can gradually tolerate and integrate disowned parts of themselves. This can allow them to develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and more authentic relationships as the unconscious becomes conscious.

As patients reclaim the feelings and traits they once attributed to others, they become more free to respond to the world with clarity rather than defensiveness. This can lead to personal growth, deeper connections, stronger relationships, and a more foundational sense of self, which are some of the objectives of psychodynamic psychotherapy.