The doctor should be opaque to his patients and, like a mirror, should show them nothing but what is shown to him

The doctor should be opaque to his patients and, like a mirror, should show them nothing but what is shown to him

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, revolutionized the field of psychology with his groundbreaking theories on the human mind and behavior. One of Freud's most famous quotes is, "The doctor should be opaque to his patients and, like a mirror, should show them nothing but what is shown to him." This statement reflects Freud's belief in the importance of maintaining a neutral and objective stance in the therapeutic relationship.

Freud believed that the therapist's role was to serve as a mirror for the patient, reflecting back to them their own thoughts, feelings, and desires. By remaining opaque and not revealing too much about themselves, the therapist could create a safe and non-judgmental space for the patient to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions. This approach, known as the "blank screen" technique, allows the patient to project their own unconscious thoughts and feelings onto the therapist, leading to greater insight and self-awareness.

Freud also believed that the therapist's neutrality was essential for maintaining the therapeutic boundaries and preventing any transference or countertransference issues from arising. Transference occurs when the patient unconsciously transfers their feelings and emotions onto the therapist, while countertransference refers to the therapist's own emotional reactions to the patient. By remaining opaque and not revealing too much about themselves, the therapist can avoid getting caught up in these dynamics and focus on helping the patient work through their issues.