Page:The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis III 1922 1.djvu/51

 COMMUNICATIONS.

A FEW 'DON'TS' FOR BEGINNERS IN THE TECHNIQUE OF

PSYCHO-ANALYSIS

BY

ESTELLE MAUDE COLE

LONDON

1. Don't fail to notice the entry of the patient into the con- sulting room, regarding punctuality, facial expression, tone of voice, manner and general appearance. Extreme neatness or untidiness of the person or self-admiration are points of practical value.

2. Don't allow the patient to sit in an upright chair. Provide a couch to encourage relaxation.

3- Don't sit within the patient's view. The analyst should be obliterated from view both literally and mentally.

4. Don't talfc once the patient has taken up the supine position. Keep silent and let the patient break the silence at the beginning of every hour.

5. Don't fail to note the first remark. This will probably be found to have a bearing on the analysis and may act as a key to it.

6. Don't allow the patient to leave the couch or change the supine position so that the analyst is in view. The desire of the patient to view the analyst is to watch the effect of his disclosures on the analyst's face. If the patient insists on turning towards the analyst, this resistance should be analysed at once.

7. Don't give your point of view to the patient Take the patient's standpoint and work from that.

8. Don't argue with a patient. It takes two to make an argu- ment and the analyst would be infringing the passive role. The patient grows tired of trying to argue if there is no response.

9. Don't forget to note the nature of the transference. A heavy positive transference in the early stages should cause the analyst to be on the alert for just as heavy a negative.

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