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This paper contains a short critical evaluation of the basic principles of Ferenczi's technical recommendations called 'relaxation therapy'. Thompson emphasizes the necessity of sincere human interrelationship as the basis of successful psychotherapy. She evaluates critically the principles of 'giving love' and of 'dramatic reliving' as a means of emotional mastery of the patient's past experiences, and she discusses the danger inherent in rigidly following these principles, that of nullifying their original purpose, namely, the sincerity of the relationship between therapist and patient.
Thompson's aim is not to give advice for therapeutic technique but to point out that such valuable realistic understanding of the dynamism of the psychoanalytic procedure became possible as a result of Ferenczi's 'main' contribution to psychoanalysis. This could be achieved only after Ferenczi's intentions were understood and his bungling mistakes were corrected by his disciples and others.
To arrive at her conclusions Thompson uses the same sort of psychological calisthenics which we know from the analysis of myths. In order to model a hero, a leader for some definite (propaganda) purpose the biographers select some facts of his life, shift the emphasis on other facts until the desired picture