The two volumes describe the daily work of the psychoanalyst with his patients and report the
various technical problems posed with regard to the method of treatment. They are not intended
to be textbooks but simply a collection of practical experiences. The attempt is made to depict
a mode of operation that is both situation and patient centred. The attention will first of all
be directed to problems of interaction the dynamics of transference and countertransference
i.e. the »two-person-psychology« (Balint). From this point of view certain Freudian terms
originating from his objective-objectifying standpoint beed to be redefined. The terme to be
examined are those of transference countertransference and the attitude of being like a mirror
a surgeon neutrl or abstinent. In my opinion the standard methods deduced from Freuds writings
need to be revised. I consider them a theoretical construction an ideal treatment under ideal
conditions. Apart from merely practical »instructions« dealing with the diffucult problems of
technique these volumes include critical thoughts about technical problems such as »working
through« the relationship between phantasy and defence and the question for the concept of
reality in psychoanalysis during the process of biographical reconstruction.
