This paper presents an overview of Freud's analysis of the Wolf Man from an interactional point of view. As a result of Freud's use of various covert methods of interpersonal control, such as the fixed time limit on the length of his analysis, the Wolf Man gave in and provided material Freud could use to support his theories and reconstructions, such as the primal scene interpretation of the nightmare about wolves.

By his repeated use of covert methods of interpersonal control and other indoctrination methods, Freud fostered a misalliance with the Wolf Man and prevented the formation of a therapeutic alliance. In his interactions with the Wolf Man, Freud enacted a transference/countertransference complex organized and activated by the Wolf Man's need for an idealized omnipotent and powerful person. To maintain his relationship with Freud and to gratify his self-object needs, the Wolf Man unconsciously complied with the pressures imposed on him by Freud's use of indoctrination methods.