ABSTRACT
In trying to understand Freud’s rejection of Ferenczi’s Confusion of Tongues idea, we have to realize that both giants of psychoanalysis’ relationship was marked by a Confusion of Tongues experience. Freud acted neurotically in several instances. Freud treated Ferenczi as a subordinate and not a colleague. Freud disguised his need for authority in the language of collaboration. He wanted to maintain the authority of the master, with Ferenczi maintaining the designation of the pupil. Freud wanted his pupil to remain under his intellectual, emotional, and interpersonal control. He did not was his student to introduce changes that challenged Freud’s authority and influences. Freud used his authority to accuse Ferenczi of acting out sexually with his analysands. Clara Thompson bragged to the analytic community that she could “kiss Papa Ferenczi anytime I want.” What Freud did not understand was that Ferenczi was allowing Thompson to fully express her erotic father transference in their empathic relationship. This was the therapeutic expression of childhood sexual trauma. Freud was emotionally blinded by Ferenczi’s pioneering change in the analytic encounter.
