The Opening Phase of Psychoanalysis

After a brief introduction by Lichtenberg, Malin opened the Panel with a review of the literature on the opening phase. He emphasized the need to consider two factors: first, that the rules and principles of psychoanalytic technique are being applied for the first time, and second, that there are theoretical considerations specific to the opening phase. Freud's Papers On Technique (1911-1915) deal with both these issues. In these papers, we find specific instructions as to the frequency and length of sessions, the use of the couch, the placement of the analyst, and the practice of taking notes; we also find more general principles such as the rule of abstinence, the fundamental rule of free association, and the analyst's use of evenly suspended attention. Freud presented some of his recommendations in three famous metaphors about technique: the metaphor of the surgeon, the metaphor of the analyst's unconscious as a receptive organ tuned to the transmitting unconscious of the patient, and the metaphor of the mirror. With regard to the establishment of a therapeutic relationship in the opening phase, Freud (1913) wrote that we need "an effective transference … in the patient, a proper rapport with him" before we can make interpretations. "It remains the first aim of the treatment to attach [the patient] to it and to the person of the doctor" (p. 139). Malin stressed that although Freud laid down rules which appear to be strict and severe, his suggestions were always accompanied by tempering remarks. For example, Freud (1912b) wrote, "… this technique is the only one suited to my individuality; I do not venture to deny that a physician quite differently constituted might find himself driven to adopt a different attitude to his patients and to the task before him" (p. 111). Later (1913) he wrote, "I think I am well advised … to call these rules 'recommendations' and not to claim any unconditional acceptance for them" (p. 123).

Other psychoanalytic writers sinc