couch

n. in psychoanalysis, the article of furniture on which the patient reclines. The use of the couch is based on the theory that this posture will facilitate free association, encourage the patient to direct attention inward to his or her world of feeling and fantasy, and enable the patient to access his or her unconscious mind. The expression “on the couch” is sometimes used popularly to indicate psychoanalytic treatment. Also called analytic couch.

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Psychology term of the day

March 17th 2025

micturition reflex

reflex contraction of the bladder in response to signals from its stretch receptors. During development, a child learns to suppress the micturition reflex and to control urination. Also called bladder reflex.