The so-called rule of abstinence revisited

Abstract

The paper discusses whether the rule of abstinence is still valid in the contemporary theoretical arena of psychoanalysis. Not only is this a debate on principle. It also raises the question of how gratifying the analyst should be in the analytic encounter, still remaining within the psychoanalytic paradigm. Current criticisms of the concept of abstinence are reviewed. The author replies to the objections. He argues that the so-called rule of abstinence is not a “rule” which describes the particular behaviour of the analyst, but a general principle describing the essence of the psychoanalytic cure. In the opinion of the author, abandoning this principle may have detrimental consequences both theoretically and technically. Finally, the author discusses the emotional presence of the analyst in the analytic setting and suggests an updated version of the idea of analytic abstinence.