How might Kelly explain resistance and negative transference in psychotherapy?

In Kelly's Personal Construct Theory, resistance and negative transference can be understood as methods for individuals to reduce perceived threats in their psychological environment. When clients experience resistance in therapy, they may be unconsciously reacting to feelings of vulnerability or anxiety about exploring painful or uncomfortable topics. This resistance serves as a protective mechanism, allowing them to manage their emotional arousal and maintain a sense of control over their therapeutic process.

Similarly, negative transference, which involves projecting feelings from past relationships onto the therapist, can arise as the client tries to navigate and mitigate the uncertainty or fear associated with the therapeutic relationship. In this context, both resistance and negative transference can be viewed not as barriers to progress, but as adaptive responses aimed at shielding the individual from emotional threats as they engage with their inner world and confront challenging material during therapy. These reactions help clients maintain psychological safety while they gradually work on their issues.