Free Association

Abstract

We have chosen for reprinting from our current Dividend Book this particular chapter on free association for two reasons. One, because it illustrates the clarity and simplicity with which the authors deal with a most complicated aspect of psychoanalytic therapy, a clarity which is representative of the entire book. The second reason is the interest which many of our readers have expressed in the various steps and processes of psychotherapy. A number of our readers have written to us requesting specifically an article explaining the concept of “free association” in treatment.

We are aware that except in the rare case of the psycholanalytically trained counselor, free association will not be used by the pastoral counselor. Even in psychotherapy by a trained individual free association is frequently omitted except in orthodox psychoanalysis. However, the principles underlying the method such as helping persons to bring out deeply repressed feelings and thoughts, the danger of direct questioning, the great need for permissiveness, the importance of seemingly irrelevant details, the problem of intelligent listening, the need of waiting until the person is ready to share with the counselor,—these principles are profoundly applicable to all counseling, including that of the minister.—Ed.