You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
I would agree with Mrs. de Forest on the importance of Ferenczi's emphasis on the significance of the real personality of the analyst in the total situation. I believe it plays a part in the patient's cure. I also agree that the analyst must give the patient the 'love' he needs if he is to have enough security to proceed. That this loving of the patient must be spontaneous and disinterested, i.e. not growing out of any need of the analyst's, goes without saying. I am sure that I cannot endorse the lengths to which Ferenczi went in this matter. I feel that Mrs. de Forest also differs from me somewhat here. I have the impression she feels that more definite assertions of liking are necessary than I have found to be the case.
However, my real difference with her and Ferenczi is about the therapeutic value of building up tension deliberately in order to increase the dramatic tone of the analysis. I do not deny that at times this may have a therapeutic effect, but, in general, I believe it not only has no therapeutic value but actually increases the patient's hazards.