ABSTRACT
It is important from time to time to look at the basic principles of the psycho-analytic technique and to attempt to reassess the importance of the various elements that the classical technique comprises. Gradually analysts found themselves interpreting silences and movements and a whole host of behavioural details which were outside the realm of verbalisation. The purpose of interpretation must include a feeling that the analyst has that a communication has been made which needs acknowledgement. In other words, the interpretation may even be given to the whole person, whereas the material for the interpretation was derived from only a part of the whole person. An important detail is that the interpretation has been given within a certain number of minutes or even seconds of the very insightful material presented. The right interpretation given tomorrow after a supervision is of no use because of the very powerful operation of a time factor.
