Some pitfalls in the assessment of analyzability in a psychoanalytic clinic

We have described some of the problems encountered in an analyzability committee's evolving approach to the assessment of applicants to a psychoanalytic clinic. A primary error was to think in terms of the level of drive development--equating pathology at an oedipal level with analyzability. Recognition that the more important issue for assessment purposes was the presence or absence of those ego capacities and personality characteristics necessary for success in analysis has led to a reorientation of our approach.