This paper discusses how some of the reflecting techniques of modern analysis and the tendency to avoid anything ego-oriented may keep analysts and patients locked into the status quo phase of analysis. The fear of losing the patient may motivate some therapists to be so careful that patients are not helped to recognize and move beyond their repetitions. In order to reach the stages of progressive communication and cooperation, patients must be given the chance to know themselves through ego-syntonic explanations and to consciously decide to work with the analyst.