(1984). International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 65:367-369 Review by: Laurence B. Hall This brief volume is an unusual, timely and valuable contribution to our literature. It is, in one sense, an essay in celebration of Freud's momentous discovery of free association. By sharing with us how one analyst works and how he thinks about his work, he brings us with him into the working place where we observe with him the raw data of technical formulations and interventions on the one hand, and the source of theory building on the other. Both ventures, he asserts, are in danger of being compromised whenever we stray too far from the matrix of analytic work—the free associations of our patients and the steps we take to enhance them. He makes his intention very clear in the first chapter when he describes 'the analyst's goal in the use of the free association method as the enhancement of the patient's free association and not as the production of insight, nor as the development of a regressive transference neurosis, nor as the reduction of symptoms or suffering. [This is a summary or excerpt from the full text of the book or article. The full text of the document is available to subscribers.] |
