Rules

Abstract

Freud compared the rules of psychoanalytic treatment with the rules of chess: both give rise to an infinite variety of moves which are limited only in the opening and closing phases:

Among them there are some which may seem to be petty details, as, indeed, they are. Their justification is that they are simply rules of the game which acquire their importance from their relation to the general plan of the game. I think I am well-advised, however, to call these rules “recommendations” and not to claim any unconditional acceptance for them…. The plasticity of all mental processes and the wealth of determining factors oppose any mechanization of the technique; and they bring it about that a course of action that is as a rule justified may at times prove ineffective, whilst one that is usually mistaken may once in a while lead to the desired end. These circumstances, however, do not prevent us from laying down a procedure for the physician which is effective on the average. (Freud 1913 c, p. 123)