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This panel consisted of four papers and discussion from the floor. Henry Wexler read a Historical Review. Rudolph Loewenstein followed with Additions to the Theory of Free Association. The third paper given by Ralph Greenson was titled The Transition to Free Association. Finally, Mark Kanzer closed the formal presentation with Superego Aspects of Free Association.
In reviewing the history of the concept of free association as originated and developed by Sigmund Freud, Henry Wexler dated the evolution of the method of free association from the cathartic method between 1892 and 1895. Quoting Ernest Jones, the panelist stated that the new method enabled Freud to penetrate into the previously unknown realm of the unconscious proper and consequently to make profound discoveries.
Two motives led to Freud's search for a new method. One was the relative unhypnotizability of his patients. The other was his desire to free himself from the "mask of hypnotism" that concealed transference and resistance.
A decisive moment occurred in 1892 when Freud determined to proceed with the treatment of Frl. Elisabeth von R. who was refractory to hypnosis. Recalling Bernheim's statement that memories were recoverable if the therapist insisted forcibly enough, Freud tried the "concentration" technique which he "later elaborated into a method." The first step toward free association was taken when Freud, seeing the workings of Frl. Elisabeth von R's censorship, insisted that every thought be expressed even if it were considered irrelevant, unimportant or unpleasant. Freud made another step towards free association when he stopped interrogating Frl. von R. after she reproved