The idealization of insight

Psychoanalysts tend to idealize the classic model of technique, central to which is the development of insight through interpretation. This is so even though from Freud onward they have realized the inapplicability of this model to many kinds of people and clinical exigencies. As a consequence of this idealization, other factors which plausibly contribute to change, and other elements in the psychotherapeutic situation within and outside of the mainstream of psychoanalytic technique, have been inadequately exploited theoretically and clinically. These include the roles of affect, action, and will; the meaning of insight to the patient and insight as a defense against change; some dangers of insight; factors common to all psychotherapy; and the interpersonal relationship. In this paper I discuss these variables and issues, with reference to case examples, suggest that this sociopsychological problems for psychoanalysis can be understood with reference to some aspects of history of psychoanalysis, and suggest some options and opportunities.