It's a core technique used in psychoanalysis, a type of therapy developed by Sigmund Freud.
Here's how it works:
* The patient lies down and relaxes.
* The therapist prompts the patient to say whatever comes to mind, no matter how trivial, embarrassing, or nonsensical it may seem.
* The patient is encouraged to be completely honest and not censor their thoughts.
The idea behind free association is that by allowing the unconscious mind to express itself freely, it can reveal hidden thoughts, feelings, and memories that are contributing to the patient's problems.
Free association is often seen as a powerful tool for exploring the unconscious mind and gaining insights into the origins of psychological distress.