In evaluating the interaction of theory and practice, it is essential to distinguish the growing treasure of knowledge and its systematization in the general and specific theories of neurosis from its appropriate therapeutic application.(27 pgs)

This chapter’s title, “Case Histories and Treatment Reports,” reflects the discord in Freud’s work between the theory of genesis and that of change. Our reconsideration leads us in the first section of this chapter to reject the notion that he gave adequate scientific consideration to both poles of this discord in his case histories. It is necessary to reformulate his famous assertion about the existence of an inseparable bond between curing and research. A promising new source for regrounding psychoanalytic therapy is for us to take the fact seriously that the theory of repeated traumatization has significance for the structuring of the therapeutic situation. (75 pp.)

The analyst’s contribution toward creating favorable conditions for change is a special object of our interest. It seems obvious that we should choose examples from the initial phase of therapy as it is in this phase that the patient attempts to come to terms with the strange and unsettling situation. The patient’s hopes that analysis will help him become better able to cope with the problems in his life are nourished by the experiences he has in the analytic situation.

In providing interpretations the psychoanalyst fulfills his professional role as well as goes beyond it. The language he uses in an interpretative comment reveals his thoughts—and his self as well—even if the comment is restricted to a patient’s minute, detailed problem and although he may believe he has completely withdrawn his personal views. (63 pgs)

We focus on the regulatory function that resistance fulfills in the relationship. (57 pgs)

We consider it vital to let the patient participate in the analyst’s reflections, including those about the context and background of interpretations, in order to facilitate his identifications. This permits us to regulate the relationship of closeness and distance to the analyst as the “object.” Heimann described this process; we have tried to describe its fundamental significance. (26 pgs)

Analytic work is performed in the therapeutic relationship. Thus the basic pattern exhibited by resistance is directed against the transference relationship which is being sought. (54 pgs)

Demonstrate the dependence of transference phenomena, including resistance, on the analytic situation and its shaping by the analyst — starting with the appearance of his office and continuing with his behavior, his sex, his countertransference his personal equation, his theory, his image of man, his weltanschauung, etc. Thus, we will be testing the principal thesis of this book on the central core of psychoanalysis — transference and resistance — and investigating the extent of the analyst’s influence on the phenomena which are traditionally ascribed solely to the patient. (40 pgs)