Psychoanalytic techniques are methods developed from the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud to explore unconscious thoughts, feelings, conflicts, and motivations that influence an individual's behaviour. In casework and counselling, these techniques help clients gain insight into unresolved emotional issues, childhood experiences, and internal conflicts. Although modern counselling has adapted these methods to suit contemporary practice, they remain valuable in understanding personality development and emotional disturbances. Free association is one of the most fundamental psychoanalytic techniques. In this method, the counsellor encourages the client to speak freely about whatever comes to mind without censorship, regardless of whether the thoughts appear relevant, logical, or embarrassing. The client is asked to express ideas, memories, dreams, feelings, and fantasies exactly as they occur. The assumption behind this technique is that unconscious material gradually emerges through spontaneous speech. The counsellor carefully listens for recurring themes, contradictions, emotional reactions, and hidden meanings. In casework, free association helps identify unresolved conflicts, repressed emotions, and patterns of thinking that contribute to current problems. It also strengthens self-awareness and enables the client to recognize the