ABSTRACT
Analysts have been considering theories regarding cure since Freud wrote his first papers. This chapter compares the concepts of Freud and his followers to modern psychoanalytic ideas about cure. Many patients come into analysis to be cured of their symptoms, and when symptoms disappear, they consider the analysis complete. This is a legitimate way to use a psychoanalytic process and should be respected by the analyst of the departing patient. But the author explores the value of long-term analysis and presents an argument for an ongoing analysis that goes beyond the concept of cure, where the constant and ongoing conversion of impulses into words makes life more satisfying and meaningful. This kind of ongoing analysis is particularly helpful for people who have chosen psychoanalysis as their profession.
