In traditional psychoanalysis, the therapist strives to remain as neutral as possible to produce "optimal frustration" in the patient so that the patient transfers and projects unresolved conflicts onto the psychoanalyst.

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This is a core principle of traditional psychoanalysis. The therapist is meant to remain neutral and removed in order to facilitate the patient's transference and projection of unresolved issues onto the therapist, which can then be explored and resolved in the therapeutic relationship.

In Traditional Psychoanalysis, the Therapist Strives to Remain as Neutral