Psychoanalytic Definitions of Cure: Beyond Contract Completion

Abstract

Psychoanalytic definitions of cure go beyond contract completion to include changes in various aspects of the personality and internal psychological systems. These changes are expected to provide protection against a recurrence of the symptoms under similar stress. In addition, elements of cure may include ability to deal with conflict in general, ability to be loving and creative, a firm sense of self, greater self awareness, (including the ability of self analysis), and the maturation of relationships with others. Different analysts working with different groups of patients emphasize different dimensions, both of cure and the analytic process leading to cure.