The action of Denise described in the question is known as act of transference.
In psychology, transference refers to a condition whereby the feelings that a person had about their current situation (family, job etc) are unconsciously redirected or transferred to the present situation.
Furthermore, the act of transference is when individual redirect their emotions or feelings about one person to an entirely separate person
In conclusion, the action of Denise described in the question is known as act of transference.
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