Explore Wilhelm Reich’s 1933 technique of character analysis, emphasizing how mannerisms reveal latent resistances. Learn why early analysis is key for lasting therapy success.

Free association is a foundational technique in psychoanalysis, serving as a central method for exploring the unconscious mind. To an outside observer, it might appear to be a simple act of speaking whatever comes to mind. However, for the clinician, it is a powerful tool designed to bypass the ego's defenses and access repressed thoughts, memories, and desires (Freud, 1913). What is the function of this cornerstone of psychoanalytic practice, and how has its application evolved?

Discover the truth about Freud's terminology. Did he use 'subconscious' or 'unconscious'? Learn the real psychology behind this common misconception.

Ever catch yourself in therapy retelling the same story about that frustrating coworker, a childhood memory, or a recurring worry, using the same words or phrases? You might think, “Ugh, I’m boring my therapist!” But here’s the truth: repeating yourself in therapy isn’t just okay—it’s a powerful part of the process. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, saw verbal repetition as a key to unlocking your inner world. Let’s explore why saying the same thing again in therapy is something to embrace, not avoid.