Free association is pretty much just what it sounds like.
Where Did the Concept of Free Association Come From?
Thats basically free association, as conceptualized by Sigmund Freud.
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How Do You Use Free Association in Therapy?
So what exactly is free association?
But while free association may seem pretty random in nature, it actually has a clear purpose.
I practice EMDR therapy, which has some components of free association, Good explains.
Lets take a look at some of the benefits of free association, with insights from therapists and research.
It Can Build Trust Between You and Your Therapist
Trust is super important in therapy.
Without it, it’ll be hardalmost impossibleto open up.
As such, it helps foster an open dialogue between the therapist and the patient, Good explains.
As such, you may be able to uncover repressed memories, some of which may be traumatic.
Basically my entire caseload would be considered case studies, she says.
Unresolved Grief
Hartman shared the case of a patient who was dealing withunresolved grief.
This helped the patient realize their unresolved feelings of loss and begin the healing process.
Engaging in free association requires an open mind and a willingness to share your thoughts freely, Hartman says.
Its important to remember that there are no right or wrong thoughts in this process, she assures.
APA Dictionary of Psychology.Free Association.
Lothane HV.Free Association as the Foundation of the Psychoanalytic Method and Psychoanalysis as a Historical Science.
2020;11:366. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00366
Coubard OA.Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) re-examined as cognitive and emotional neuroentrainment.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
