Interpreting Inkblots

The psychoanalytic school of psychology was founded by Sigmund Freud, who believed that people could release repressed emotions and experiences by understanding their unconscious thoughts and motivations. Rorschach ink blots are one way, psychoanalysts believe, to step into the unconscious mind of an individual. Although the ink blot is intentionally vague and does not mean anything itself, the patient's interpretation of the inkblot is said to unlock the unconscious undercurrents of the mind.

Things You'll Need

• Psychoanalyst
• Inkblot

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Go to a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in psychoanalysis. In order to understand your interpretation of the inkblot, you must have a professional to speak to.

• 2

  Examine the shape of the inkblot. Tell the psychoanalyst what the shape reminds you of, or what you see. Make sure to talk as much about the inkblot as you can, do not hesitate to share an interpretation, as this can prevent the psychoanalyst from making an accurate conclusion.

• 3

  Allow the psychoanalyst to examine the results.

• 4

  Listen to the psychoanalyst's analysis of your inkblot interpretation.