Concepts of neutrality and abstinence are discussed in terms of the variant opinions about them, pro and con, with particular reference to efforts to dispense with them based on the unavoidable role of the analyst's personal influence and subjectivity in the analytic process. Stereotypes of both neutrality and abstinence are examined, and the therapeutic alliance established as the most appropriate context within which to articulate the essential and constructive role of effective analytic neutrality and abstinence. The alliance is not possible without the persistent exercise of both neutrality and abstinence; conversely, other components of the alliance are intended to facilitate and preserve neutrality and abstinence on the part of both analyst and analysand. These elements are essential factors in effective analytic practice.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Adler, E., & Bachant, J.L. (1996). Free association and analytic neutrality: The basic structure of the psychoanalytic situation. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association44:1021—1046.
2.
Alger, I. (1966). The clinical handling of the analyst's responses . Psychoanalytic Forum1:289—302.
3.
Alonso, A. (1996). Toward a new understanding of neutrality. In Understanding Therapeutic Action: Psychodynamic Concepts of Cure , ed. L.E. Lifson.Hillsdale, NJ: Analytic Press, pp. 3—19.
4.
Bader, M. (1993). The analyst's use of humor. Psychoanalytic Quarterly62:23—51.
5.
Balint, M. (1965). Primary Love and Psycho-Analytic Technique. New York: Liveright.
6.
Baudry, F. (1991). The relevance of the analyst's character and attitudes to his work. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association39:917—938.
7.
Bergmann, M.S. (1994). The challenge of erotized transference to psychoanalytic technique. Psychoanalytic Inquiry14:499—518.
8.
Berman, L. (1949). Counter-transferences and attitudes of the analyst in the therapeutic process. Psychiatry12:159—166.
9.
Beskind, H., Bartels, S.J., & Brooks, M. (1993). Practical and theoretical dilemmas of dynamic psychotherapy in a small community. In Beyond Transference: When the Therapist's Real Life Intrudes, ed. J.H. Gold & J.C. Nemiah.Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press , pp. 1—19.
10.
Blum, H.P. (1971). Transference and structure. In The Unconscious Today, ed. M. Kanzer.New York: International Universities Press , pp. 117—195.
11.
——— (1973). The concept of erotized transference. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association21:61—76.
12.
——— (1981). Some current and recurrent problems of psychoanalytic technique. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association29:47—68.
13.
——— (1994). The confusion of tongues and psychic trauma. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis75:871—882.
14.
Bokanowski, T. (1996). Freud and Ferenczi: Trauma and transference depression . International Journal of Psycho-Analysis77:519—536.
15.
Bollas, C. (1989). Forces of Destiny. London: Free Association Books.
16.
——— (1994). Aspects of the erotic transference. Psychoanalytic Inquiry14:572—590.
17.
Brabant, E., Falzeder, E. , & Giampieri-Deutsch, P., EDS. (1994). The Correspondence of Sigmund Freud and Sandor Ferenczi Vol. I, 1908—1914. Cambridge : Harvard University Press.
18.
Caper, R. (1992). Does psychoanalysis heal? A contribution to the theory of psychoanalytic technique. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis73:283—292.
19.
Casement, P.J. (1982). Some pressures on the analyst for physical contact during the reliving of an early trauma. International Review of Psycho-Analysis9:279—286.
20.
Chused, J.F. (1982). The role of analytic neutrality in the use of the child analyst as a new object. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association30:3—28.
21.
——— (1991). The evocative power of enactments. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association39:615—639.
22.
——— (1992). The patient's perception of the analyst: The hidden transference. Psychoanalytic Quarterly61:161—184.
23.
——— (1996). The therapeutic action of psychoanalysis: Abstinence and informative experiences. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association44:1047—1071.
24.
——— & Raphling, D.L. (1992). The analyst's mistakes . Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association40:89—116.
25.
Cohen, D., & Jay, S.M. (1996). Autistic barriers in the psychoanalysis of borderline adults. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis77:913—933.
26.
Cooper, S.H. (1996). Neutrality and psychoanalysis: Separation, divorce, or a new set of vows. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association44:1017—1019.
27.
Erikson, E.H. (1964). Insight and Responsibility. New York: Norton.
28.
Ferenczi, S. (1932). The Clinical Diary of Sandor Ferenczi, ed. J. Dupont.Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1988.
29.
Fields, M. (1985). Parameters and the analytic process: A contribution to the theory of the “mature transference.” Journal of the American Academy of Psychoanalysis13:15—33.
30.
Fox, R.P. ( 1984). The principle of abstinence reconsidered. International Review of Psycho-Analysis11: 227—236.
31.
Franklin, G. (1990). The multiple meanings of neutrality. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association38:195—220.
32.
Freud, A. (1936). The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense. Rev. ed. New York: International Universities Press, 1966.
33.
Freud, S. (1912a). The dynamics of transference. StandardEdition12:97—108.
34.
——— (1912b). Recommendations to physicians practising psychoanalysis . Standard Edition12:109—120.
35.
——— (1915). Observations on transference-love. Standard Edition12:157—171.
36.
——— (1919). Lines of advance in psychoanalytic therapy. Standard Edition17:157—168.
37.
——— (1923). Two encyclopaedia articles. Standard Edition18:233—259.
38.
Friedman, L. (1988). The Anatomy of Psychotherapy. Hillsdale, NJ: Analytic Press.
39.
——— (1996). A response. Psychoanalytic Inquiry16:527—557.
40.
Frommer, M. (1994). Homosexuality and psychoanalysis: Technical considerations revisited. Psychoanalytic Dialogues4:215—233.
41.
Gabbard, G.O. (1994). Love and lust in erotic transference. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association42:385—403.
42.
Gay, P. ( 1988). Freud: A Life for Our Times. New York : Norton.
43.
Gitelson, M. (1952). The emotional position of the analyst in the psychoanalytic situation. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis33:1—10.
44.
Good, M.I. (1996). Suggestion and veridicality in the reconstruction of sexual trauma, or can a bait of suggestion catch a carp of falsehood?Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association44:1189—1224.
45.
Greenson, R.R. (1965). The working alliance and the transference neurosis . Psychoanalytic Quarterly343:155—181.
46.
——— (1967). The Technique and Practice of Psychoanalysis. New York: International Universities Press .
47.
——— (1971). The “real” relationship between the patient and the psychoanalyst. In The Unconscious Today, ed. M. Kanzer.New York: International Universities Press, pp. 213—232.
48.
——— (1972). Beyond transference and interpretation. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis53:213—217.
49.
——— (1978). Explorations in Psychoanalysis. New York: International Universities Press.
50.
——— & Wexler, M. (1969). The non-transference relationship in the psychoanalytic situation. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis50:27—39.
51.
Grubrich-Simitis, I. (1986). Six letters of Sigmund Freud and Sandor Ferenczi on the interrelationship of psychoanalytic theory and technique. International Review of Psycho-Analysis13:259—277.
52.
Hamilton, V. (1993).Truth and reality in psychoanalytic discourse. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis74:63—79.
53.
——— (1996). The Analyst's Preconscious. Hillsdale, NJ: Analytic Press.
54.
Hartmann, H. (1960). Psychoanalysis and Moral Values. New York: International Universities Press.
55.
Haynal, A., & Falzeder, E. (1993). Slaying the dragons of the past or cooking the hare in the present: A historical view on affects in the psychoanalytic encounter . Psychoanalytic Inquiry13:357—371.
56.
Hernández, M. (1993). Footnote to a footnote to “Observations on transference-love.” In On Freud's “Observations on Transference-love,”ed. E.S. Person , A. Hagelin, & P. Fonagy.New Haven: Yale University Press, pp. 96—101.
57.
Hilkert, F.G. (1996). The Anatomy of Psychotherapy byLawrence Friedman: A commentary. Psychoanalytic Inquiry16:432—449.
58.
Hoffer, A. (1985). Toward a definition of psychoanalytic neutrality . Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association33:771—795.
59.
Hoffer, A. (1990). Review of The Clinical Diary of Sandor Ferenczi . International Journal of Psycho-Analysis71:723—727.
60.
——— (1991). The Freud-Ferenczi controversy: A living legacy . International Review of Psycho-Analysis18:465—472.
61.
——— (1993). Is love in the analytic relationship “real” ? Psychoanalytic Inquiry13:343—356.
62.
Isay, R.A. (1985). On the analytic therapy of homosexual men. Psychoanalytic Study of the Child40:235—254.
63.
Jacobs, T.J. (1991). The Use of the Self: Countertransference and Communication in the Analytic Situation. Madison, CT: International Universities Press.
64.
Jacobson, J.G. (1993). Developmental observation, multiple models of the mind, and the therapeutic relationship in psychoanalysis. Psychoanalytic Quarterly62:523—552.
65.
Joseph, B. (1993). On transference love: Some current observations . In On Freud's “Observations on Transference-love,” ed. E.S. Person, A. Hagelin, & P. Fonagy.New Haven: Yale University Press , pp. 102—113.
66.
Kernberg, O.F. (1996). The analyst's authority in the psychoanalytic situation. Psychoanalytic Quarterly65:137—157.
67.
Khan, M.M.R. (1960a). Clinical aspects of the schizoid personality: Affects and technique. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis41:430—437.
68.
——— (1960b). Regression and integration in the analytic setting . International Journal of Psycho-Analysis41:130—146.
69.
——— (1969). Vicissitudes of being, knowing, and experiencing in the therapeutic situation. British Journal of Medical Psychology42:383—393.
70.
Kirshner, L.A. (1993). Concepts of reality and psychic reality in psychoanalysis as illustrated by the disagreement between Freud and Ferenczi. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis74:219—230.
71.
Kohut, H. (1980). Summarizing reflections. In Advances in Self Psychology, ed. A. Goldberg, New York: International Universities Press , pp. 473—554.
72.
Kovel, J. (1982). Values, interests, and psychotherapy. American Journal of Psychoanalysis42:109—119.
73.
Kris, A.O. (1990). Helping patients by analyzing self-criticism. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association38:605—636.
74.
——— (1993). Support and psychic structural change. In Psychic Structure and Psychic Change: Essays in Honor of Robert S. Wallerstein, M.D., ed. M.J. Horowitz, O.F. Kernberg, & E.M. Weinshel.Madison, CT: International Universities Press, pp. 95—116.
75.
Kubie, L.S. (1971). The destructive potential of humor in psychotherapy . American Journal of Psychiatry127:861—866.
76.
Lachmann, F.M. (1994). How can I eroticise thee? Let me count the ways . Psychoanalytic Inquiry14:604—621.
77.
Langs, R. (1976). The Therapeutic Interaction. 2 vols. New York: Aronson.
78.
Laplanche, J., & Pontalis, J.-B. (1967). The Language of Psycho-Analysis , transl. D. Nicholson-Smith. New York: Norton, 1973.
79.
Levine, H.B. (1996). Action, transference, and resistance: Some reflections on a paradox at the heart of analytic technique. Psychoanalytic Inquiry16:474—490.
80.
Levy, S.T. (1985). Empathy and psychoanalytic technique. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association33:353—378.
81.
——— & Inderbitzin, L.B. (1992). Neutrality, interpretation, and therapeutic intent. Journal of the American PsychoanalyticAssociation40:989—1011.
82.
Little, M. (1951). Counter-transference and the patient's response to it. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis32:32—40.
83.
Loewald, H. (1960). On the therapeutic action of psychoanalysis. In Papers on Psychoanalysis. New Haven: Yale University Press, pp. 221—256.
84.
Lynn, D.J., & Vaillant, G.E. (1998). Anonymity, neutrality, and confidentiality in the actual methods of Sigmund Freud: A review of 43 cases, 1907—1939. American Journal of Psychiatry155:163—171.
85.
Mayer, E.L. (1994). Some implications for psychoanalytic technique drawn from analysis of a dying patient. Psychoanalytic Quarterly63:1—19.
86.
Meares, R. (1983). Keats and the “impersonal” therapist: a note on empathy and the therapeutic screen. Psychiatry46:73—82.
87.
Meissner, W.W. (1983). Values in the psychoanalytic situation. Psychoanalytic Inquiry3:577—598.
88.
——— (1991). The phenomenology of religious psychopathology . Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic55:281—298.
89.
——— (1996a). Empathy in the therapeutic alliance. Psychoanalytic Inquiry16:39—53.
90.
——— (1996b). The Therapeutic Alliance. New Haven: Yale University Press.
91.
— — — (IN PRESS). Humor is a funny thing. In Humor in Analysis , ed. J. Barron.Hillsdale, NJ: Analytic Press.
92.
Millán S. (1996). The social dimensions of transference. In A Prophetic Analyst: Erich Fromm's Contributions to Psychoanalysis , ed. M. Cortina & M. Maccoby.Northvale, NJ: Aronson, pp. 325—340.
93.
Modell, A.H. (1990). Other Times, Other Realities. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
94.
——— (1996). Trauma, memory, and the therapeutic setting. In Under-standing Therapeutic Action: Psychodynamic Concepts of Cure , ed. L.E. Lifson, Hillsdale, NJ: Analytic Press, pp. 41—50.
95.
Nacht, S. (1957). Technical remarks on the handling of the transference neurosis. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis38:196—203.
96.
——— (1963). The non-verbal relationship in psychoanalytic treatment. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis44:328—333.
97.
Newton, P.M. (1971). Abstinence as a role requirement in psychotherapy . Psychiatry34:391—400.
98.
Nodet, CH.—H. (1958). Quelques réflexions sur les valeurs engagées dans la cure analytique. Revue Française de Psychanalyse22:343—374.
99.
Ogden, T.H. (1996). Reconsidering three aspects of psychoanalytic technique. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis77:883—899.
100.
Peters, M. (1991). Analytic neutrality and the “person” as psychoanalyst. Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy9:114—127.
101.
Pine, F. (1993). A contribution to the analysis of the psychoanalytic process. Psychoanalytic Quarterly62:185—205.
102.
Poland, W.S. (1971). The place of humor in psychotherapy. American Journal of Psychiatry128:635—637.
103.
——— (1984). On the analyst's neutrality. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association32:283—299.
104.
——— (1990). The gift of laughter: On the development of a sense of humor in clinical analysis. Psychoanalytic Quarterly59:197—225.
105.
Post, S.C., ED. (1972). Moral Values and the Superego Concept in Psychoanalysis. New York: International Universities Press.
106.
Rangell, L. (1969). The intrapsychic process and its analysis: A recent line of thought and its clinical analysis. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis50:65—77.
107.
Reich, A. (1960). Further remarks on countertransference. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis41:389—395.
108.
Renik, O. (1995). The ideal of the anonymous analyst and the problem of self—disclosure. Psychoanalytic Quarterly64:466—495.
109.
——— (1996). The perils of neutrality. Psychoanalytic Quarterly65:495—517.
110.
Richards, A.D. (1996). Discussion. Psychoanalytic Inquiry16:107—117.
111.
Rioch, J.M. (1943). The transference phenomenon in psychoanalytic therapy. Psychiatry6:147—156.
112.
Robbins, M. (1996). The mental organization of primitive personalities and its treatment implications. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association44:755—784.
113.
Roughton, R.E. (1993). Useful aspects of acting out: Repetition, enactment, and actualization. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association41:443—472.
114.
Schachter, J. (1994). Abstinence and neutrality: Development and diverse views. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis75:709—720.
115.
——— (1995). The analyst under stress: Issues of technique . Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association43:11—14.
116.
Schafer, R. (1993). Five readings of Freud's “Observations on transferencelove.” In On Freud's “Observations on Transference-love,” ed. E.S. Person, A. Hagelin, & P. Fonagy.New Haven: Yale University Press, pp. 75—95.
117.
Shane, E., & Shane, M. (1998). Intimacy, boundaries, and countertransference in the analytic relationship. Psychoanalytic Inquiry17:69—89.
118.
Shapiro, T. (1984). On neutrality. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association32:269—282.
119.
Simon, B. (1992). “Incest—see under oedipus complex”: The history of an error in psychoanalysis. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association40:955—988.
120.
Spero, M.H. (1983). Modern psychotherapy and halakhic values: An approach toward consensus in values and practice. Journal of Medicine and Philosophy8:287—316.
121.
Sterba, R. (1934). The fate of the ego in analytic therapy. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis15:117—126.
122.
Stone, L. (1954). The widening scope of indications for psychoanalysis . Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association2:567—594.
123.
——— (1961). The Psychoanalytic Situation. New York: International Universities Press.
124.
——— (1981). Notes on the noninterpretive elements in the psychoanalytic situation and process. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association29:89—118.
125.
Tauber, E.S. (1954). Exploring the therapeutic use of countertransference data. Psychiatry17:331—336.
126.
Treurniet, N. (1993). What is psychoanalysis now?International Journal of Psycho-Analysis74:873—891.
127.
Wallwork, E. (1991). Psychoanalysis andEthics. New Haven: Yale University Press.
128.
Weiner, M.F. (1972). Self—exposure by the therapist as a therapeutic technique. American Journal of Psychotherapy26:42—51.
129.
Weisman, A.D. (1965). The Existential Core of Psychoanalysis: Reality Sense and Responsibility. Boston: Little, Brown.
130.
Wilson, A., & Weinstein, L. (1996). The transference and the zone of proximal development . Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association44:167—200.
131.
Winnicott, D.W. (1956). On transference. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis37:386—388.
132.
Zetzel, E.R. (1956). The concept of transference. In The Capacity for Emotional Growth. New York: International Universities Press, 1970, pp. 168—181.
133.
Zinn, H. (1970). The politics of history. In Issues in Western Civilization, ed. L.J. Apt. Vol. 2. Boston: Holbrook Press, pp. 433—459.
