Intermediate
Technical
IVT
working through
The gradual process of overcoming resistance and integrating insights gained during analysis.
Full Definition
A crucial phase of psychoanalytic treatment involving the repeated examination and interpretation of unconscious conflicts, defenses, and patterns. Working through requires time and persistence as patients gradually overcome resistance to change and integrate new insights into their personality structure. This process involves moving from intellectual understanding to emotional acceptance and behavioral change, often requiring multiple interpretations of the same material from different angles.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenated when used as a compound noun or adjective, but written as two words when used as a verb phrase.
In Context
- "The working-through process revealed the defensive function of the patient's obsessive behaviors." — Progress report
- "Working through required eighteen months before the patient could tolerate the transference interpretation." — Clinical summary
Also known as
elaboration
Contrasted with
resistance
acting out
Don't confuse with
breakthrough
insight