Page:The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis III 1922 1.djvu/52

 44 AFEW'DONTS' FOR BEGINNERS OF PSYCHO-ANALYSIS

lo. Don't fail to note signs of a counter transference. These will be found in the analyst's dreams and should be dealt with immediately. A counter transference means the need for further analysis for the analyst. 'The analyst can proceed in an analysis only so far as he is analysed himself.' (Freud.)

ri. Don't administer cut and dried philosophy. That mode of procedure is suggestion and not psycho-analysis.

12. Don't divulge any personal affairs to the patient. The instinct of curiosity in the patient is always uppermost regarding the analyst. Don't be tempted to relate incidents in one's life to help the patient. He will probably use such communications for his own unconscious purposes during the analysis.

13- Don't fail to note the unconscious actions of the patient.

14. Don't fail to note the reactions of the patient, e. g. angry voice, hushed tone, emphasis, tears, excitement, etc.

15. Don't draw the attention of the patient to the findings in the analysis too early in the work. The transference may be in- complete and the egoism of the patient will resent these disclosures. A serious reaction, such as the contemplation of suicide, may be the result. Don't forget that the neurotic's chief dictum is: 'I am not as other men are'.

16. Don't touch the patient. The patient may complain of all manner of symptoms during the analysis, some of which might involve a physical examination. They should have attention from a general physician and not from the analyst; e.g. the development of a skin rash may cover a desire to expose the person to the analyst

17. Don't continue the analysis after the time has expired even if the patient has arrived late. Cease and rise from your chair no matter what the patient happens to be saying at the moment.

18. Don't allow patients who come for analysis to meet either on entry or departure. This is a frequent cause of jealousy and fresh resistances are set up.

19- Don't fail to note the manner of the patient's departure. Heed the facial expression and the tone of voice.

20. Don't forget that some unconscious action or unguarded remark on departure may furnish material for the next analysis.