In group therapy, Sara's perception of Gary reflects which psychological concept?

The correct answer, transference, pertains to a psychological phenomenon where an individual projects feelings, thoughts, or attitudes from one person onto another, often reflecting unresolved issues from past relationships. In the context of group therapy, if Sara’s perception of Gary involves her reacting to him based on feelings or experiences she has with someone else—perhaps a parental figure or prior acquaintance—this would indeed illustrate the concept of transference.

Transference can significantly affect therapeutic dynamics, as it may shape how clients interact with one another and with the therapist. Understanding this concept is crucial for therapists, as it can provide insight into clients' interpersonal relationships and help facilitate deeper discussions about their emotions and experiences.

In contrast, confrontation involves directly challenging a client’s thoughts or behaviors, blaming refers to assigning fault or responsibility for a particular outcome, and "stinking thinking" encapsulates negative thought patterns that distort reality. However, these concepts do not specifically capture the dynamics of projecting feelings based on past relationships that define transference.