The many faces of analytic interaction

The patterns of interaction between analyst and analysand are discussed wit h special reference to the participation of both analyst and analysand in t he analytic dialogue. The analyst's participation and interaction with the analysand can take place in one or all of the threefold constituents of the analytic relation-transference (and countertransference), real relation, a nd alliance. Although these components are continually present and mutually interactive in the analytic process, they can be differentiated in the div ersity of patterns of interaction and their implications for technical aspe cts of the analytic process. Although transference and countertransference hold the primary place in analytic interest, other aspects deserve proper e mphasis and exploration insofar as they make substantive and significant co ntributions to the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the analytic process . The nature and quality of their influence on patterns of interaction are discussed as well as implications of their respective roles in the analytic process.