question_answer

Discuss the process of interpretation in psychoanalysis.

Answer:

Ans.     Interpretation is called pinnacle of psychoanalysis. It involves two analytical techniques that are confrontation and clarification

In Confrontation, the therapist points out to the client an aspect of her/his psyche that must be faced by the client.

Clarification is the process by which the therapist brings a vague or confusing event into sharp focus. This is done by separating and highlighting important details about the event from unimportant ones.

Interpretation is a more subtle process. It is considered to be the pinnacle of psychoanalysis. The therapist uses the unconscious material that has uncovered in the process of free association, dream interpretation, transference and resistance to make the client aware of the psychic contents and conflicts which have led to the occurrence of certain events, symptoms and conflicts.

Interpretation can focus on intrapsychic conflicts or on deprivations suffered in childhood.

The repeated process of using confrontation, clarification, and interpretation is known as working through. Working through helps the patient to understand herself/himself and the source of the problem and to integrate the uncovered material into her/his ego.

The outcome of working through is insight. Insight is not a sudden event but a gradual process wherein the unconscious memories are repeatedly integrated into conscious awareness; these unconscious events and memories are re-experienced in transference and are worked through.

As this process continues, the client starts to understand herself/himself better at an intellectual and emotional level, and gains insight into her/his conflicts and problems.

Two types of insight. The intellectual understanding leads intellectual insight. The emotional understanding, acceptance of one’s irrational reaction to the unpleasant events of the past, and the willingness to change emotionally as well as making the change is emotional insight.

Insight is the end point of therapy as the client has gained a new understanding of herself/himself. In turn, the conflicts of the past, defence mechanisms and physical symptoms are no longer present and the client becomes a psychologically healthy person. Psychoanalysis is terminated at this stage.