ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an understanding of the “psychology” of the interview or the analysis of it; that is to say, the dynamic that occurs when one person seeks the help of another. The psychodynamic interview—especially if the prospect exists of referring or establishing the indication for psychoanalytically based psychological help—presupposes a particular aptitude in the interviewer, which is different to that required in other interviews, including the psychiatric interview sensu stricto. The purpose of the diagnostic interview lies in gaining sufficient knowledge of the patient to establish a “diagnosis” of the problem for which he is seeking consultation, as well as of his personality. The interviewer’s interventions must facilitate the patient’s task of communicating everything he is able to, and that can be contained in the interview. In free interview, it is hoped the patient’s attitude will be one of “free association”, although guided by the therapist.
