In this paper, the authors argue for a teleological perspective in psychoanalysis. Experiential reality is claimed to be essentially intentional: the feeling subject aims at objectives, the goals are chosen by the subject, and the choice is individually determined. As we in clinical psychoanalysis try to reach precisely the experiential world, the authors here argue that it is to be reached through a teleological (and not causal) perspective. With this as a starting point, the authors elaborate on the differences between explanation and understanding, and as understanding is closely linked to “meaning”, the two dimensions of the concept are differentiated. While some have argued that “drive” belongs to a physicalist world view, the authors in this paper claim that it fits into a teleological conception. As to the psychoanalytical method, the authors speak for an approach that tries to safeguard the essence of experiential reality, i.e., the freedom to choose one´s aims. To accomplish this, a plea for a restricted objective in clinical technique is made.