The nature of the action of psychoanalytic therapy has been a significant question for the entire century of the existence of the enterprise. Freud's early answers included abreaction of affects. Classical formulations evolved to the position that conveying insight was the essential ingredient of the treatment effect. The nature of the action was not seen, however, as relying exclusively on this central element.

Freud spoke of the unobjectionable positive transference and of tact as being necessary ingredients of the treatment. Strachey emphasized