A basic process in psychoanalysis and other forms of psychodynamic psychotherapy, in which the patient is encouraged to verbalize without censorship or selection whatever thoughts come to mind, no matter how embarrassing, illogical, or irrelevant.
Free association - APA Dictionary of Psychology
APA Dictionary of Psychology
https://dictionary.apa.org › free-association
The different functions of free association. | Download ...
GoodTherapy | Free Association
What is free association - My Exam Solution
Compare this to active imagination;
Active Imagination: Jung created the concept of active imagination as a way to describe bridging the gap between unconsciousness and consciousness. Using imagination, fantasy, dreams and meditation, a client is able bring their unconscious into the present through narrative or action. Active imagination relies on a client’s undirected observation of their imagination or dreams, not an intended image of their desires.
https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/jungian-psychotherapyAlthough I find both these methods helpful to understanding…we may find that we are doing these therapeutic exercises and methods when practicing meditation. Which is quite different in the sense that we are using imagination in a specific way as we are attempting to transcend thought. There is a focus on thought in concentration on a Mantra or for instance energy going up and down the spine coupled with the inhalation and exhalation of the breath in meditation.
