Unspoken Questions

Abstract

This is a discussion of a case in which the therapy operated largely by unconscious transference feelings. Its apparent beneficial results came about through the transmutative effect of a benevolent transference relationship rather than through any particular set of interpretations or reconstructions. The discussion of the case focuses on the patient's dreams during the treatment. An intimacy develops between therapist and patient in large part through the shared process of associating to material, whether dreams, events or memories. It is entirely appropriate for the therapist to reveal his own associations, provided he does so discreetly and modestly, as it is a way of establishing the dialogue of unconsciousness that provides the basis for real therapeutic relationships. The need for more details of the patient's history is emphasized. A patient's feelings about his sexuality need to be explored since no gay person is ever free of a huge burden of guilt about his sexual orientation. The therapy under discussion is seen as one addressed to lifting massive phallic inhibition, and a treatment that can be considered only the beginning of a larger therapy.

Key Words:

• Homosexuality
• transference
• dreams
• homophobia
• psychoanalysis