03 Otto Kernberg Demonstration 2 Free association
In this session, psychotherapy unfolds through the classical technique of free association. The patient is encouraged to speak freely, allowing thoughts, feelings, and memories to surface without censorship. What emerges is a landscape shaped by fear of criticism, relational tension, and uncertainty about intimacy and parenting.
The therapist listens closely, tracing emotional undercurrents beneath the narrative. Particular attention is given to the patient’s sensitivity to judgment and how this fear shapes interactions in close relationships. Themes of vulnerability, attachment, and self-doubt gradually take form.
Through careful guidance, the therapist supports open emotional expression while addressing underlying conflicts. The session concludes with a reflective moment, highlighting both the patient’s fears and the unfolding therapeutic journey toward greater self-understanding.