Analysts Quote by Thomas Szasz
“Aided and abetted by corrupt analysts, patients who have nothing better to do with their lives often use the psychoanalytic situation to transform insignificant childhood hurts into private shrines at which they worship unceasingly the enormity of the offenses committed against them. This solution is immensely flattering to the patients -- as are all forms of unmerited self-aggrandizement; it is immensely profitable for the analysts -- as are all forms pandering to people's vanity; and it is often immensely unpleasant for nearly everyone else in the patient's life.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Myth of Mental Illness, Thomas Szasz, 1961
Patients and analysts create self‑serving narratives that exaggerate personal grievances, benefiting both parties while harming others.
In simple terms: People and therapists inflate personal hurts for mutual benefit, hurting others.
Key Takeaway
Beware of self‑aggrandizement in therapeutic settings.
Themes
psychology
power dynamics
self‑image
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
clinical
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- support groups
- clinical supervision
- family counseling
Key Concepts
patient self‑mythologizing
analyst profit motive
family impact
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent exploitative narratives?
- How does this affect the patient’s real relationships?
A Different Perspective
Such dynamics can perpetuate dependency and resentment.
![“There was an analyst who came out the other day who's had a long track record of projecting presidential campaigns based on the economy and other kind of factors. And he said if [Donald] Trump stays about where he is right now, he'll win at about 51 or 52 percent. If Trump actually gets his act…” quote by Newt Gingrich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fdf/newt-gingrich-792_analysts_there-was-an-analyst-who-came-out-the-ot_106317.jpg)
