Psychoanalytic Situation : Free Association and Analytic Neutrality

Yu, Jaehak; Ha, Jee Hyun

Abstract

The authors reviewed the meanings of a psychoanalytic setting, which is composed of a patient's free association and an analyst's analytic neutrality. In particular, this was done by discussing the definitions of a psychoanalytic setting, the functions of free association, and the development of the meanings of analytic neutrality over time. The purpose this wasto provide an understanding of a psychoanalytic setting for psychoanalytic therapists. To fully understanda psychoanalytic setting, the several points must be considered. Firstly, a patient's introspection about his/her inner world in the presence of an analyst in a psychoanalytic setting facilitates the development of the psychoanalytic process. Secondly, both a patient's reflective functioning of his/her mental process and a patient's relational experiences of transference feelings toward their analyst is important for analytic treatment. Thirdly, a patient's progress withfree association during treatment sessions indicates spontaneity, a motivation to be cured from a patient's standpoint. Fourthly, a patient and an analyst become aware of the meaning of a patient's materials from free association through the process of Ed-highlight: Unclear. I'm not sure what you mean by this word. Are you referring to the patient's thoughts or feelings? free association itself. Fifth, the main aim of analytic neutrality is to understand the patient's psychic reality, and it is important to understand this reality through interaction between a patient and an analyst