Confrontation is one of those terms that seem to be an inherent part of psychoanalytic technique. However, the way confrontation is used by many analysts, i.e., confronting split-off unconscious elements, seems based on Freud’s cathartic principles. I highlight how seemingly disparate theories use confrontation in this way and question its usefulness. Recent developments in the psychoanalytic method are discussed that potentially lead to different ways of bringing unconscious elements to the analysand’s awareness. Finally, the use of clarification as an alternative to confrontation is explored.