Projective Techniques as Psychotherapy

Projective psychological tests are an aid to diagnosis. Yet, they may he used as an adjunct to, or in themselves, as brief and emergency psychotherapy, mainly in the sharing of results with patients. The test administration procedure is analogous to the psychotherapeutic process, especially with regard to transference and countertransference. Projective techniques are a vehicle for communication and overcoming inhibitions by bypassing resistance and defenses. They represent the point of encounter between patients and their inter- and intrapsychic unconscious processes. They thus form a basis for gaining insight and fostering self-awareness, and may facilitate and shorten the duration of psychotherapy.