ABSTRACT
Calling the content of Sigmund Freud's recommendations papers his "practical suggestions" is somewhat misleading. In all of his papers Freud transcends the practical and presents part of his theoretical vision. In many ways it is a wonder that Freud published these practical papers. Clearly he was ambivalent about writing technique papers, particularly ones with practical suggestions. He was concerned about letting the general public know the secrets of psychoanalysis. Freud relates that, at the beginning of treatment, patients will frequently ask how long a given treatment will go on. Freud's answer that it is impossible to know the length of a person's stride in the journey through analysis is a telling and apt metaphor. Freud's observation may be interpreted to mean that frequently patients with strong reservations about the fundamental rule will be more likely to begin the treatment in a state of negative transference.
