Resistance analysis and psychic reality

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate some aspects of our mode of working; how we as analysts listen, observe, and collect information to formulate appropriate resistance interventions. Analytic exploration and technique should to a greater extent than what is usual include a careful analysis of verbal and nonverbal resistance expressions, as these may contain important material related to the analysand's psychic and historical reality. Our theoretical and technical conceptualization of how a systematic and consistent resistance analysis is performed should be improved. Our listening and observing attitude involves the simultaneous use of various forms of auditory, visual, and enactive data. This is exemplified by an excerpt from an analytic hour in which a specific resistance problem--an analysand's suppressed response to crying--is examined and linked to specific preverbal experiences.