The role of the [[analyst]] in the [[treatment]] is twofold.{{Top}}interprétation{{Bottom}}
First and foremost, he must listen to =====Role of the Analyst=====The [[analysandrole]], but he must also intervene by speaking to of the [[analysandanalyst]]in the [[treatment]] is twofold.
Although First and foremost, he must listen to the [[analystanalysand]]'s [[speech]] is characterized , but he must also intervene by many different kinds of [[speech|speech actspeaking]] (asking questions, giving instructions, etc.), it is the offering of [[interpretation]]s which plays the most crucial and distinctive role in to the [[treatmentanalysand]].
Broadly speaking, =====Function of Interpretation=====Although the [[analyst]] can be said to offer an 's [[speech]] is characterized by many different kinds of [[interpretationspeech|speech act]] when he says something that subverts -- asking questions, giving instructions, etc. -- it is the offering of [[analysandinterpretation]]'s which plays the most crucial and distinctive role in the [[conscioustreatment]] 'everyday' way of looking at something.
--Broadly speaking, the [[analyst]] can be said to offer an [[interpretation]] when he says something that subverts the [[analysand]]'s [[conscious]] "everyday" way of [[looking]] at something.
=====Sigmund Freud=====[[Freud]] first began offering [[interpretation]]s to his [[patient]]s in [[order ]] to [[help ]] [[them ]] [[memory|remember ]] an [[idea ]] that had been [[repressed]] from [[memory]].
These [[interpretation]]s were educated guesses [[about ]] what the [[patient]]s had omitted from their account of the events which led up to the [[formation]] of their [[symptom]]s.
=====Example=====For example, in one of the earliest [[interpretation]]s, [[Freud]] told one [[patient]] that she had not revealed all her motives for the intense affection she showed towards her employer's [[children]], and went on to say; "I believe that really you are in [[love ]] with your employer, the Director, though perhaps without [[being ]] aware of it yourself."<ref>{{F}} "[[Works of Sigmund Freud|The Neuro-Psychoses of Defence]]", 1895d. [[SE II]] III, 43. p.117</ref>
=====Purpose of Interpretation=====The [[purpose ]] of the [[interpretation]] was to help the [[patient]] become [[conscious]] of [[unconscious]] [[thoughts]].
--=====Psychoanalytic Method of Interpretation=====The [[model]] of [[interpretation]] was set down by [[Freud]] in ''[[The Interpretation of Dreams]]''.<ref>{{F}} ''[[The Interpretation of Dreams]]'', 1900a. [[SE]] V.</ref>
The model of Though only concerned explicitly with [[interpretationdreams]] was set down by , [[Freud]]'s comments on [[interpretation]] in ''this [[work]] apply equally to all the [[other]] [[The Interpretation formation]]s of Dreamsthe [[unconscious]] -- [[parapraxes]], [[jokes]]''.<ref>{{F}} 1900a, [[symptoms]], etc.</ref>
Though only concerned explicitly with ====="Decoding" Method of Interpretation=====In the second chapter of this work the psychoanalytic method of [[interpretation]] is distinguished from the "decoding" method of [[interpretation]] by the use of the method of [[dreamsfree association]], : a [[Freudpsychoanalytic]]'s comments on [[interpretation]] does not consist in this work apply equally to all the other attributing a [[formationsignification|meaning]]s of the to a [[unconsciousdream]] (by referring to a pre-existing [[parapraxessystem]], of [[jokesequivalences]], but by referring to the [[symptomsfree association|associations]], etc.)of the dreamer himself.
In It follows that the second chapter of this work the psychoanalytic method of [[interpretation]] is distinguished from the "decoding" method of same [[interpretationimage]] will mean very different things if dreamed by the use of the method of [[free association]]: a psychoanalytic [[interpretation]] does not consist in attributing a meaning to a different [[dreampeople]] by referring to a pre-existing system of equivalences but by referring to the associations of the dreamer himself.
It ollows =====Sigmund Freud=====Even when [[Freud]] later came to recognize the [[existence]] of "[[symbolism]]" in [[dreams]] (i.e. the fact that there are some [[images]] which have fixed [[universal]] [[meanings]] in addition to their unique meaning for the [[individual]] dreamer), he always maintained thaat [[interpretation]] should focus primarily on the [[particular]] meaning and warned against "overestimating the same image will mean very different things if dreamed by different peopleimportance of [[symbols]] in dream interpretation."<ref>{{F}} ''[[The Interpretation of Dreams]]'', 1900a. [[SE]] V., pp. 359-60.</ref>
Even when =====Interpretation in Analysis=====Early on in the [[Freudhistory]] later came to recognize of the psychoanalytic movement, [[existenceinterpretation]] rapidly came to be the most important tool of 'symbolism' in the [[dreamsanalyst]] (i.e. the fact that there are some iamges which have fixed universal meanings , his primary means for achieving therapeutic effects in addition to their unique meaning for the individual dreamer), he always maintained thaat [[interpretationpatient]] should focus primarily on the particular meaning and warned against "overestimating the importance of symbols in dream interpretation."<ref>Freud. 1900a. SE V. p.359-60.</ref>
=====Interpretation of Unconscious Meaning of the Symptom=====
Since [[symptom]]s were held to be the expression of a [[repressed]] idea, the [[interpretation]] was seen to [[cure]] the [[symptom]] by helping the [[patient]] become [[conscious]] of the idea.
=====Declining Effect of Interpretation=====However, after the initial period in which the offering of [[interpretation]]s seemed to achieve remarkable effects, in the decade 1910--20 [[analyst]]s began to notice that their [[interpretation]]s were becoming less effective.
In particular, the [[symptom]] would persist even after the [[analyst]] had offered exhaustive [[interpretations]] of it.
Early on in the history of the psychoanalytic movement, [[interpretation]] rapidly came to be the most important tool of the [[analyst]], his primary means for achieving therapeutic effects in the [[patient]]. Since [[symptom]]s were held to be the expression of a [[repressed]] idea, the [[interpretation]] was seen to cure the [[symptom]] by helping the [[patient]] become [[conscious]] of the idea.=====Possible Explanation===== However, after the initial period in which the offering of [[interpretation]]s seemed =====Resistance to achieve remarkable effects, in the decade 1910-20 [[analyst]]s began to notice that their [[interpretations were becoming less effective. In particular, the [[symptom] would persist even after the [[analyst]] had offered exhaustive [[interpretations]] of it. ---Becoming Conscious=====In order to explain this, [[analyst]]s turned to the [[concept ]] of [[resistance]], arguing that it is not sufficient simply to offer an [[interpretation]] of the [[unconscious]] [[meaning]] of the [[symptom]] but that it is also necessary to get rid of the [[patient]]'s [[resistance]] to becoming fully [[conscious]] of this [[meaning]].
=====Jacques Lacan=====
[[Lacan]], however, proposes a different explanation.
He argues that the decreasing efficacy of [[interpretation]]s after 1920 was due to a "closure" of the [[unconscious]] which the [[analyst]]s themselves had provoked.<ref>{{S2}} p.10-11; {{S8}} p.390</ref>
Among other things, [[Lacan]] blames the increasing tendency of the first generation of [[analyst]]s to base their [[interpretation]]s more on symbolism [[symbol]]ism (despite [[Freud]]'s warnings to the contrary), thereby returning to the pre-psychoanalytic "decoding" method of [[interpretation]].
Not only did this reduce [[interpretation]]s to set [[formulas]], but the [[patient]]s soon came to be able to predict exactly what the [[analyst]] would say about any particular [[symptom]] or [[free association |association]] they produced (which, as [[Lacan]] wryly comments "is surely the most annoying trick which can be played on a fortune-teller."<ref>{{Ec}} p.462</ref>).
[[Interpretation]]s thus lacked both relevance and shock-[[value]].
--=====Popularity of Psychoanalytic Theory=====
Other [[analyst]]s before [[Lacan]] had recognized the problems caused by the fact that [[patient]]s were increasingly knowledgable of [[psychoanalytic theory]].
However, the solution which they proposed for this problem was that "too much [[knowledge ]] on the part of the patient should be replaced by more knowledge on the part of the analyst."<ref>Ferenczi , Sándor and Rank, Otto. "The [[Development]] of [[Psychoanalysis]]," trans. [[Caroline]] Newton, J. ''Nerv. Ment. Dis.'', Monograph, no. 40. 1925: . p.61</ref>
In other [[words]], they urged the [[analyst]] to elaborate even more [[complex ]] theories in order to stay one step ahead of the [[patient]].
=====Jacques Lacan=====
[[Lacan]], however, proposes a different solution.
What is needed, he argues, is not [[interpretations]] of every-increasing complexity, but a different way of approaching [[interpretation]] altogether.
Hence [[Lacan]] calls for a "renewed [[technique ]] of interpretation,"<ref>{{E}} p.82.</ref> one that challenges the basic assumptions underlying the classical psychoanalytic model of [[interpretation]].
------=====Classical Psychoanalytic Model of Interpretation=====Classical [[interpretation]]s generally took the [[form]] of attributing to a [[dream]], a [[symptom]], a [[parapraxis]], or an [[association]], a [[meaning]] not given to it by the [[patient]].
For example the [[interpretation]] may be of the form "What you really mean by this symptom is that you [[desire]] ''x''."
Classical =====Interpretation Unmasks Hidden Unconscious Meaning=====The fundamental assumption was that the [[interpretation]]s generally took the form of attributing to unmasks a hidden [[dreammeaning]], a the [[symptomtruth]], a of which could be confirmed by the [[parapraxis]], or an association, a [[meaningpatient]] not given to it by the producing more [[patientfree association|association]]s.
For example the It is this assumption that [[Lacan]] challenges, arguing that [[analytic]] [[interpretation]] may be of the form "What you really mean by this symptom is that you desire ''x''s should no longer aim at discovering a hidden [[meaning]], but rather at disrupting [[meaning]]."
The fundamental assumption was that the =====Interpretation as Disruption of Meaning=====<blockquote>"Interpretation is directed not so much at 'making [[interpretation unmasks a hidden meaning, sense]]' as towards reducing the truth signifiers to their 'non-sense' in order thereby to find the determinants of which could be confirmed by all the [[patientsubject]] producing more associations's conduct."<ref>{{S11}} p.212</ref></blockquote>
It is this assumption that [[LacanInterpretation]] challengesthus inverts the [[relationship]] between [[signifier]] and [[signified]]: instead of the normal production of [[meaning]] ([[signifier]] produces [[signified]]), aruging that analytic [[interpretation]]works at the level of ''s should no longer aim at discovering a hidden meaning'' to generate S: [[interpretation]] causes "irreducible signifiers" to arise, but rather at disrupting meaningwhich are "non-sensical."<ref>{{S11}} p.250</ref>
<blockquote>"Interpretation Hence it is directed not so much at 'making sensea question, for [[Lacan]], of fitting the [[analysand]]' s [[discourse]] into a preconceived interpretive [[matrix]] or [[theory]] (as towards reducing the signifiers to their 'non-sense' in order thereby to find the determinants "decoding" method), but of disrupting all the subject's conduct."<ref>{{S11}} psuch theories.212</ref>
[[Interpretation]] thus inverts =====Analysand's Message Addressed to Himself=====Far from offering the relationship between [[signifieranalysand]] and a new [[signifiedmessage]]: instead of , the normal production of [[meaninginterpretation]] (should serve merely to enable the [[signifieranalysand]] produces to hear the [[signifiedmessage]]), he is [[interpretationunconsciously]] works at the level of ''s'' to generate S: [[interpretation]] causes "irreducible signifiers" addressing to arise, which are "non-sensical."<ref>{{S11}} phimself.250</ref>
Hence it is not a question, for [[Lacan]], of fitting the The [[analysand]]'s [[discoursespeech]] into a preconceived interpretive matrix or theory (as in the "decoding" method), but of disrupting all such theories. Far from offering the [[analysand]] a new message, the [[interpretation]] should serve merely to enable the [[analysand]] to hear the message he is [always has other [unconsciously]] addressing to himself. The [[analysandmeaning]]'s [[speech]] always has other meanings apart from that which he [[consicously]] intends to convey.
The [[analyst]] plays on the ambiguity of the [[analysand]]'s [[speech]], bringing out its multiple meanings.
Often the most effective way for the [[interpretation]] to achieve this is for it too to be ambiguous.
By interpreting in this way, the [[analyst]] sends the [[analysand]]'s message back to the [[analysandmessage]] in its true, inverted form. -- An [[interpretation]] is therefore not offered back to gain the [[analysand]]'s assent, but is simply a tactical device aimed at enabling the [[analysand]] to continue speaking when the flow of associations has become locked. The value of an [[interpretation]] does not lie in its correspondence with [[realitytrue]], but simply in its power to produce certain effects; an [[interpretationinversion|inverted form]] may therefore be inexact, in the sense of not corresponding to "the facts," but nevertheless true, in the sense of having powerful symbolic effects.<ref>{{E}} p.237</ref>
--=====Tactic of Interpretation=====An [[interpretation]] is therefore not offered to gain the [[analysand]]'s assent, but is simply a tactical device aimed at enabling the [[analysand]] to continue [[speech|speaking]] when the flow of [[free association|association]]s has become locked.
=====Interpretation and Reality=====
The value of an [[interpretation]] does not lie in its correspondence with [[reality]], but simply in its [[power]] to produce certain effects; an [[interpretation]] may therefore be inexact, in the sense of not corresponding to "the facts," but nevertheless true, in the sense of having powerful [[symbolic]] effects.<ref>{{E}} p. 237</ref>
=====Role of the Analyst==========Analysand's Speech as Text=====[[Lacan]] argues that in order to [[interpret]] in this way, the [[analyst]] mus ttake must take the [[analysand]]'s [[speech]] absolutely literally (''à la [[lettre]]'').
That is, the task of the [[analyst]] is not to achieve some [[imaginary ]] intuitive grasp of the [[analysand]]'s '"hidden message,' " but simply to read the [[analysand]]'s [[discourse]] as if it were [[text]], attending to the [[formal ]] features of this [[discourse]], the [[signifiers]] that [[repeat ]] themselves.<ref>{{S2}} p.153</ref>
=====Understanding=====Hence [[Lacan]]'s frequent warnings of the dangers of "[[Interpretation|understanding]]."
<blockquote>"The less you [[understand]], the better you listen."<ref>{{S2}} p.141</ref></blockquote>
[[Interpretation|Understanding ]] (''comprendre'') has [[negative ]] connotations for [[Lacan]], implying a kind of [[listening ]] that seeks only to fit the other's [[speech]]] into a preformed theory.<ref>{{E}} p.270; {{S2}} p.130; {{S8}} p.229-30</ref> In order to do avoid this, the [[analyst]], must "forget what he knows" when listening<ref>{{Ec}} p.349</ref> and when offering [[interpretation]]s must do so "exactly as if we were completely ignorant of theory."<ref>Lacan, 1953b: 227</ref>
In order to do avoid this, the [[analyst]], must "forget what he [[knows]]" when listening<ref>{{Ec}} p.349</ref> and when offering [[interpretation]]s must do so "exactly as if we were completely ignorant of theory."<ref>{{L}} "[[Works of Jacques Lacan|The Neurotic's Individual Myth]]," 1953b, trans. Martha Evans, in L. Spurling (ed.), ''[[Sigmund Freud]]: Critical Assessments,'', vol. II, ''The Theory and [[Practice]] of Psychoanalysis'', [[London]] and New York: Routledge, 1989, p. 227.</ref>
==See Also==
{{See}}
* [[Analysand]]
* [[Analyst]]
||* [[Consciousness]]* [[Signifier]]||* [[Speech]]* [[Symptom]]||* [[Treatment]]* [[Unconscious]]{{Also}}
==References==
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