Rahmensetzung und Spielregeln.

Borders and rules define the psychoanalytical process and at the same time promote its 'magic' moments. Psychoanalysis contains thoroughly playful elements, even though it is concerned with severe crises and conflicts. These are very effective for example in working with transference. When a psychoanalyst assumes a transference role which has been unconsciously allocated to the psychoanalyst by the patient, the psychoanalyst becomes involved in the mental reality just as someone becomes involved in the reality of a game. In the game, which is played in earnest, something is portrayed in the psychoanalytical performance. In this context the asymmetrical rules for the linguistic game of psychoanalysis can be comprehended as 'disguise measures' which promote the magic of transference. This 'magic' is necessary in order to enter into a world detached from the everyday world and to set a process in motion. At the same time the psychoanalyst must be aware of the fact that the magic will be attributed to the psychoanalyst (and at the same time will be promoted by the borders and rules) who must never misuse this magic: it must always be used as a means of promoting the autonomy of the analysand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]