The curative and creative aspects of insight.

Insight is a sine qua non of the psychoanalytic process and is a condition, catalyst, and consequence of the psychoanalytic process. Analytic insight is defined and differentiated from other types of self-knowledge and awareness and from pseudo insight; there are different levels and underlying processes in the development of insight. The importance of insight is delineated in theory and therapy, in analyst and patient, and in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. Psychoanalysis aims to minimize noninsightful influences and to maximize insight leading to structural change. Psychoanalysis is not without a goal, but has the inexorable goal of expanded insight. Clinical limitations to gaining and retaining insight are recognized. Stress is placed on the acquisition and creation of insight and its relation to ego development, analytic progress, and adaptive mastery. Insight and creativity are complementary, and insight has creative and novel configurations. Although it is organized and consolidated in conscious verbalization, insight may proceed outside awareness. An unnoticed case of Freud's provides an example of creative insight. The achievement of insight effects and reflects structural change. Clinical psychoanalysis maximizes insight and minimizes other therapeutic influences.