The problem of lay-analyses · Sigmund Freud
VI
The only way out of the dilemma of transference is to delve into the past of the patient and reconstruct events as they were actually lived through by the patient, or else only pictured, with the assistance of his urge-stimulated imagination. For all this, the analyst requires much dexterity, patience, calmness and self-effacement. “And where, do you think, did the neurotic meet the original of this transference love?” In his childhood, and, as a rule, in one of his parents. You will readily remember how much importance we had to attach to these earliest of all sentimental relations. Here, the circle is completed. “You have finished, then? To be frank with you, I am quite bewildered by all you have told me. But, now pray tell me, where to study all that is necessary to practise analysis?” Two institutes serve this purpose by giving instruction in psychoanalysis. The first is in Berlin, in charge of Dr. Max Eitigon of the local organization. The second is maintained by the Vienna Psychoanalytical Society, with great sacrifice. The authorities, up to now, have thrown many obstacles in the path of the young institute. A third institute will be opened in London, by the local organization there and will be under the direction of Dr. E. Jones. In all these institutes, the disciples themselves are analysed, and are then given theoretical instruction in all subjects important for them. When permitted to analyse their first, simple cases, they have the advantage of being under the supervision of more experienced analysts. The course usually requires about two years, but even after this period, a disciple is still a beginner, and not by far to be considered a master. What else the young analyst needs, he acquires thorough practice, and by intercourse with older colleagues.
The preparatory work for the analytical training is not at all simple: the work is hard, the responsibility tremendous. Whoever attended such a course, has been analysed himself, has grasped the Psychology of the Unconscious, as far as it can be taught today, is sufficiently versed in the science of sex, and has acquired the difficult technique of psychoanalysis, including the art of interpretation, the method of combating resistances and the manner in which to handle transferences, can no longer be considered a layman, in the field of psychoanalysis. He is able to treat neurotic disturbances and will, in time, be in a position to achieve all that may be expected of this therapy.
Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain in the United States.