Aim Quote by Sigmund Freud
“At first the analysing physician could do no more than discover the unconscious material that was concealed from the patient, put it together, and, at the right moment, communicate it to him. Psychoanalysis was then first and foremost an art of interpreting. Since this did not solve the therapeutic problem, a further aim quickly came in view: to oblige the patient to confirm the analyst's construction from his own memory.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Interpretation of Dreams, 1900
Freud describes early psychoanalysis as uncovering hidden unconscious material, assembling it, and revealing it to the patient, emphasizing interpretation over immediate therapeutic success.
In simple terms: Early psychoanalysis focused on interpreting hidden thoughts and sharing them with patients.
Interpret and share hidden material.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- clinical sessions
- training
- patient reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can interpretation be balanced with active change?
- What role does patient memory play in healing?
Interpretation alone may not resolve deeper issues.