ABSTRACT
When one studies a gamut of psychotherapies, it becomes clear that patients can be helped by a variety of therapeutic techniques based on a diversity of theories. However, it is important to point out that a successful technique does not mean that the theory behind it is necessarily correct. The evolution of the theory and practice of dynamic psychotherapy over the years is an example of this. When I first went into psychotherapeutic practice more than 50 years ago, my approach was based on the classical psychoanalytic model in which I had been trained. In this model, the focus was primarily on the patient’s intrapsychic processes and conflicts, as reflected in free associations, dreams, and fantasies.
