Wit and its structure in psychoanalytic treatment

Psychoanalytical psychotherapy

Abstract

Freud bequeathed a vast number of topics and concepts to psychoanalysts. Some of them are directly related to clinical technique, so it is not surprising that they are regularly used and constantly developed in practice – such concepts as transfer, defense and repression. Other concepts, however, were the topic of separate studies by Freud, which at fi rst glance do not have a practical application, and are usually of more interest to philosophers and non-practicing intellectuals. This work investigates the concept of wit, which in this sense has an intermediary nature – it is usually seen as a highly interesting and profound area of Freud’s research, which however lacks a connection with clinical practice and therapy of neuroses. This article aims to correct this perception and show that wit can play a prominent role in analytical therapy.