On negative and positive therapeutic reaction

This paper deals with the differences between the negative therapeutic reaction and other similar pictures with which it can sometimes be confused, particularly with certain positive therapeutic reactions of negative appearance. I also consider there is a motivation for this reaction which is determined by difficulties in the working-through of the separation anxieties which take place after moments of joint work between patient and analyst. I also point out some differences from other disturbances of the analytic process, particularly the psychoanalytic impasse, the incoercible resistances, the negative transferences, and the different psychological disturbances which make up the notion of unanalysability. I consider that the negative therapeutic reaction can be overcome by some patients and can attain a favourable evolution. I present clinical material to exemplify these points of view.