ABSTRACT
As the analytic process is particularly concerned with the emerging individuality of the patient, and the patient’s transferences, it is important that the analyst’s own personality should not impinge upon this process. Consequently, the analyst’s personal values and attitudes should not be allowed to influence the patient, which is why a non-judgmental stance has always been advocated. In addition, the effects of suggestion and of charismatic influence are equally to be guarded against. There is always a risk that self-revelation by the analyst will make it difficult to distinguish between transference and the objective realities of the analytic relationship. There are times when an analyst unwittingly reveals a self-truth that is picked up by the patient in such a way that it disturbs the analytic process. Sometimes an analyst might deem it appropriate to tell a patient some personal detail, thinking that it is useful or pertinent at the time.
