The Interpretation of Resistance in Psychoanalytic Therapy

5 June 2025

Let’s be honest: therapy can feel like a maze sometimes. You walk in thinking you’ll find clarity and instead, you hit roadblocks, get emotional, or feel downright confused. Ever wonder why that happens? In psychoanalytic therapy, this isn’t just seen as a bump in the road—it's a signpost. These roadblocks are called resistance, and they play a central role in unlocking the deeper parts of our psyche.

Today, let’s break down what resistance in psychoanalytic therapy really means, why it matters so much, and how therapists interpret this elusive, often frustrating part of the therapeutic process. We’ll keep it simple, conversational, and insightful—just you, me, and some good ol' psychology storytelling.

What Is Resistance in Psychoanalytic Therapy?

First things first—what is resistance, really?

In psychoanalytic therapy, resistance refers to any behavior, thought, or feeling that gets in the way of a person accessing unconscious material. It's like your mind putting up a “Do Not Enter” sign when therapy starts getting too close to uncomfortable truths.

Think of resistance as psychological armor. It protects us from pain, shame, or fear we’re not ready to face. But here's the catch—what protects us can also imprison us if left unchecked.

Everyday Examples of Resistance

You might be thinking, “Okay, but what does resistance look like in the real world?” Here are some classic examples:

- Suddenly forgetting what you were going to say during a deep moment
- Laughing things off when discussing painful memories
- Repeatedly missing therapy sessions or showing up late
- Changing the subject when things get intense

Sound familiar? Yep, we've all been there in one form or another.

Why Does Resistance Happen?

Resistance isn’t just some random glitch in the system. It’s our mind’s way of keeping the unconscious... well, unconscious.

Sigmund Freud, the founding father of psychoanalysis, believed that we all have repressed thoughts and feelings tucked away because they’re too threatening to bring to the surface. Resistance is how the psyche keeps the lid on Pandora’s box.

In fact, Freud saw resistance as a signpost that therapy was working. If a client was resisting, it meant something valuable—something emotionally loaded—was lurking just beneath the surface.

The Unconscious Mind at Work

Let’s get this straight: you’re not doing it on purpose. Resistance is often unconscious. That’s the whole point. You don’t realize you’re blocking progress because your deep, protective instincts are pulling the strings from behind the curtain.

The Different Types of Resistance

Resistance isn't one-size-fits-all. It comes in several flavors, each with its own psychological roots. Let’s break them down:

1. Conscious Resistance

This is when a person is aware they’re holding back but still can’t seem to stop. Maybe you’re thinking, “I should talk about my childhood—but I just can’t bring myself to do it.” That’s conscious resistance. You know something is off, but motivation and fear are in a tug-of-war.

2. Unconscious Resistance

This is sneakier. You don’t even realize you’re resisting. You change topics without noticing, laugh during serious discussion, or forget entire sessions. It’s your unconscious mind running interference.

3. Id Resistance

This type stems from the part of the psyche Freud called the “id”—the primal, pleasure-seeking part. Sometimes, resistance is about not wanting to give up certain behaviors, thoughts, or impulses, even if they’re harmful. For example, a person may resist therapy progress because it might mean giving up a destructive habit they secretly enjoy.

4. Ego Resistance

This type arises from the ego’s attempts to maintain control and stability. Therapy often requires change, and the ego freaks out about that. It wants consistency, even if that consistency is toxic.

5. Superego Resistance

This is moral resistance. The inner critic—your superego—might tell you you’re bad for feeling certain things or that you don’t deserve to heal. So, you resist progress as a form of punishment.

How Therapists Identify Resistance

Therapists are like psychological detectives. They look for clues—patterns of behavior, inconsistencies in stories, behavior that doesn’t match the mood, or even silence that feels too loud.

Here’s what they’re paying attention to:

- Avoidance: Are you steering away from certain topics constantly?
- Defensiveness: Do you get argumentative or irritated when something hits too close to home?
- Repetition: Do you loop around the same safe stories, never diving deeper?
- Incongruence: Does your body language match your words?

Even resistance can become a dance—and therapists learn the steps over time.

The Therapist’s Response: Interpretation

Here’s where the magic happens—the interpretation.

When a therapist spots resistance, they don’t call you out like a coach yelling “foul!” Instead, they gently explore it. They invite you to notice it with them. It can sound like this:

> “I noticed that when we started discussing your relationship with your father, you changed the subject. Do you think there’s something uncomfortable about going there?”

Interpretation isn’t confrontation. It’s a mirror—showing you things without judgment or pressure.

Timing Is Everything

A good therapist won't rush into interpreting resistance. If it's done too early or too bluntly, it can backfire. Trust must be built, the therapeutic alliance must be strong, and the client must feel safe enough to face what’s hiding.

Why Resistance Is Actually a Good Thing

Okay, let’s shift the perspective. Resistance is frustrating, yes. But it’s also incredibly telling.

If you’re resisting, it means you’re right there, on the edge of something big. Resistance is the smoke—there’s fire somewhere nearby. And in therapy, that fire is usually tied to core wounds, repressed memories, deep fears, or hidden beliefs.

So rather than avoiding resistance, therapy leans into it.

The Benefits of Working Through Resistance

Let’s say you and your therapist spot a pattern of resistance and gently explore it over time. What happens next?

Here are some of the rewards:

- Deeper self-awareness: You start to understand your own patterns and why they exist.
- Emotional breakthroughs: Facing resisted material often brings catharsis and healing.
- Improved relationships: You stop projecting old wounds onto new people.
- Behavioral change: You begin responding to life in healthier, more conscious ways.

It’s not just about talking through your issues—it’s about transforming how you relate to yourself and the world.

Real-Life Scenario: Resistance in Action

Let’s meet Sarah (not her real name, of course).

Sarah started therapy because she struggled with anxiety. Every time her therapist asked about her childhood, she’d brush it off with humor or say, “Oh, it was normal. Nothing major.”

But guess what? Her “normal” included a lot of emotional neglect. Her resistance to discussing it was her mind’s way of saying, “This hurts too much.”

Over time, her therapist gently pointed out the deflections. Together, they explored why Sarah didn’t feel safe diving deeper. Little by little, Sarah opened up, cried, processed—and her anxiety lessened.

See? Resistance isn’t the enemy. It’s a signpost.

How to Handle Your Own Resistance

Now let’s get practical. Say you notice resistance creeping in. What can you do?

1. Name It

Call it out. Say, “I think I’m avoiding this topic.” That alone is powerful.

2. Be Curious, Not Judgmental

Treat resistance as a signal, not a flaw. Ask yourself: “What might I be protecting myself from?”

3. Talk to Your Therapist About It

Seriously—this is one of the best things you can do. They’re trained to help you navigate it with care.

4. Journal Your Reactions

Sometimes clarity comes between sessions. Write about what you felt when certain topics came up.

5. Be Patient

Working through resistance is like untangling a knot. It takes time, but it’s worth it.

Final Thoughts

So, the next time you feel yourself holding back, canceling sessions, or cracking a joke when things get deep—pause. That might be resistance. And in psychoanalytic therapy, resistance isn’t a brick wall. It’s a door waiting to be opened.

You're not broken for resisting. You're human. Your mind is just trying to protect you from pain. But healing? That comes when we slowly, thoughtfully, and courageously lean into those very places we’ve been avoiding.

So go on—trust the process. Resistance might just be your greatest teacher.