The human mind is very gifted, capable of analyzing and reflecting cultured or deep thoughts. It is what defines us as intellectuals, it depends on the development and mental exercises we exercise.
In this sense,free association is one of the many terms that encompass psychoanalysis and is also such a human action, that it can be considered part of our nature, since at the moment of truth we have all gone through it.
In this article we will learn about free association, how and in what means it can be applied. It’s time to open your mind.
What is free association?
The term offree association was given by the neurologist and father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud(1), in mid-1893 approximately. When the analyst man decided to abandon tortuoushypnosis, as a means to enter the subconscious of people.
Free associationis the other and best alternative, it is about giving the patient thefreedom to express any kind of ideas or words, however insignificant they may seem. It is itself a form free of censorship.
Note: One study defines it as “A way of saying, which differs from reflective mental activity or the effort of attention and will.” (2)
Features of free association
Free associationhas several characteristics, many that make it unique in thehuman psyche, so it is important to recognize them as a kind of introspection. These features include:
It is based on hypnosis and catharsis
Free association is largely based on two tools of psychology,hypnosis, which was born thanks to Jean Martin Charcot (3), which is a natural technique used to release hidden potentials or change bad habits, that is, to access the human subconscious.
which was used for the
Note: A study by an analyst adds that “Hypnosis is used to record knowledge and new attitudes that allow the subject to better face the problems that life provides.” (5)
Seeks to reveal traumatic aspects
Free association is a method that seeks, mainly, for the patient to vent repressed feelings and words , as well as traumatic experiences and overwhelming memories.
Many of them are the ones that cause mental imbalances and irremediable disorders that are stagnant due to personal resistance.
Allows addressing contents of the unconscious
Free association allows and is guided by the theme of “contents of the unconscious” , which are those psychic representatives , who seek to access the level of consciousness of a patient.
They manifest themselves disguised as dreams, hidden thoughts, mental lapses, or failed acts in the past to increase patient safety.
Any idea in the mind is expressed
The patient is Free to Express The Ideas , words or thoughts that he has before an analyst in his own freedom and criteria.
This can be considered as “free speech” , since there are no rules or restrictions.
Note: It is a great alternative for a patient to get rid of repressed thoughts.
Censorship and lawsuits are set aside
In free association only speaking and listeningare present , other values such as censorship, judgments and criticism are totally ruled out. They allow people toSay and express themselves without being booed or judged by others, thereby increasing self-confidence.
Foundations of Free Association
There are many rationales for the application of free association. Among those are the following.
The psyche has a conscious and unconscious part.
The human mind has 2 doors that are important for our thinking, something studied in psychoanalysis .
The conscious is the one with which we develop Intelligence , knowledge and skills of many kinds are acquired, on a day-to-day basis.
While the unconscious is the one that is far from thoughts , it is the one that controls human physiology and certain reactions or reflexes, as if our mind controlled itself at a certain moment.
Note: The analyst doctor Adaia Valls establishes that “When we are sleeping, our mind consolidates long-term memories and could even have conditioned learning.” (6)
Voluntary suppression removes the defensive barrier
By keeping Personal Thoughts at bay, that defensive mental barrier is eliminated, which does not allow us to analyze and digest other people’s aspects or opinions.
This is considered part of mental resistance. It is also a way that helps us mature and have greater character before others.
Revealing resistances and analyzing them is essential
Free association helps to reveal certain mental resistances, in order to analyze them. This is essential since it helps us to know how much it is that we decide to express ourselves before others,the level of confidence we have and what kind of thoughts are indicated , to reflect them before our Social Circle .
How is free association applied?
Free association applies in many areas, sometimes without our realizing it at first. That is why it is a rather special and unique technique.
In therapy
It is mainly born in therapy, where patients can let out those deepest thoughts, those that make them uncomfortable or bother them in their daily life. This is a great way to vent and strengthen psychological therapies.
In art
Freeassociationis quitepresent in art, in many of its branches (painting, music, singing and even poetry). Whereeach artist is freeto make their own signature or brand, for their opinions and thoughts, without expecting any kind of prejudice or social criticism.
Note: A study comments the following : “For the great Sigmund Freud, works of art were like all psychic and symbolic productions.” (7)
In publicity
Note: A study that explains how to reach the emotional side of a consumer , with free association techniques and studies. (8)
in human resources
Human resources is an important branch in a company, composed of employees, thinking and critical people.
Free association, being a Universal Right , allows even employees and workers to have a voice, request and watch over their thoughts and personal ideas, with the important purpose of working and receiving something in return.
Key Findings
- It has existed since 1893 , although its date is not entirely exact.
- It was created to replace hypnosis.
- It can be considered part of the nature and natural thought of the human being.
- It is present in many artistic , business, political branches and in everyday life.
- We have all gone through this method, at some point in life.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.