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

May 9th 2024

on-center ganglion cell

a retinal ganglion cell that is excited by light in the center of its receptive field but is inhibited by light in the surround. See also on response. Compare off-center ganglion cell.