Contemporary Problems of Psychoanalytic Technique

In his introductory remarks, Harold P. Blum emphasized that the psychoanalytic process is a carefully defined and scientifically applied procedure with its own unique rules, methodology, and characteristics. At the same time it is not absolutely and rigidly predictable, since artistic and creative flexibility is so important for the success of any psychoanalytic endeavor. Proper psychoanalytic technique rests upon, derives from, and tends to change in conjunction with psychoanalytic theory, and therefore the practice of psychoanalysis is not immune from the many controversies that have enveloped so many areas of psychoanalytic theory.

Although changes in technique tend to lag behind new theoretical developments, there is a reciprocal relation between technique and theory. In exploring psychoanalytic technique, it is necessary to ask not only how it is to be done, but also what is to be done, why it is to be done, and toward which ends or theoretical goals. Conversely, it is important to consider what the impact of any new theoretical development may be on technique, and how various theoretical positions on