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While the principles of psychoanalytic technique are well known, they are constantly subject to re-examination and reevaluation. The need for such re-examination comes from theoretical modifications, broadened therapeutic demands, and other sources, and is a matter of consistent interest. Concurrently, our work provides us with material that validates well-known elements of our procedure. This material is also worth noting because there is a tendency for the old to become the archaic. It is therefore the purpose of this essay to record an especially clear illustration of the value of a particular technical point.
The point itself is well known. It is that the analytic process is continued to the conclusion of the analysis. Various authors use different terms to describe this idea, but there is general agreement. To cite one particularly succinct example, Glover, in his book on technique, writes that the association rule remains in force to the last minute of the last hour.
We might ask why the matter should be emphasized or even made explicit or ask what alternative we have. In part the answer comes from our patients who so frequently look forward to some form of transference gratification at the conclusion and tend to use this period as an important enclave for fantasies. One of my patients said, "I have hoped that during the last week you would answer all my questions." Others have expressed the wish to sit up. In several such instances the analysis of the latent fantasy proved to be valuable. The conclusion of an analysis also has its impact on the analyst who at that time may tend toward accentuating the interpersonal relationship because of his own needs.