Free Association Analysis as a Practical Tool for Understanding the Image of the Psychotherapist
Free Association Analysis as a Practical Tool for Understanding the Image of the Psychotherapist

Summary/Abstract: This article presents an applied analysis of the social representation of the psychotherapist, employing the free-association method within an empirical investigation conducted on a sample of 120 participants. The study aims to reveal the deep structural organization of the psychotherapist’s image in the general population by examining the frequency, ranking, and connotation of the evoked terms. The methodological approach relies on the distribution of elements into quadrants derived from Abric’s Central Core Theory, distinguishing between the normal notation zone and the substitution zone.The findings indicate a predominantly positive representation, in which the psychotherapist is associated with help, professionalism, active listening, and emotional support. At the same time, the results highlight certain ambiguities concerning the therapist’s role, competencies, and professional boundaries. The article underscores the relevance of the free-association technique in identifying social representations that can inform psychological practice and the training of future psychotherapists, emphasizing the critical role of social perceptions in shaping the therapeutic relationship.

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