ABSTRACT
The goal of analysis tends to be primarily and predominantly the facilitation of the process of healing—in the sense in which the author have defined it—that is, the evolution towards greater wholeness. Some healing has taken place and a symptom remains, at least as a potential presence; in that case, the symptom may act as a helpful and welcome signal that something in the general process of integration/individuation needs attention. In most cases symptom and personality are intimately interwoven. Frank Kermode’s psychosomatic symptoms receded considerably and fairly early in the analysis, and in that sense a ‘cure’ was achieved. To cure, the author has suggested, has a limited objective, having to do with the alleviation or removal of troublesome symptoms. The patient usually comes into treatment because he seeks relief, often from some specific symptom or cluster of symptoms.
