Some patients in psychotherapy treat the therapist as a father or as some other important figure in their life. This process is called

A) catharsis.
B) free association.
C) resistance.
D) transference.

The process of treating a therapist as a father or other important figure in one's life is called transference. This is a common phenomenon in psychotherapy, where the patient transfers emotions, attitudes, and expectations from past relationships onto the therapist. It can be positive or negative and can offer valuable insights into the patient's past and present relationships.