Talking about difficulties in order to purge emotions and feelings is a curative process known as what?

• A. Sublimation
• B. Catharsis and/or abreaction
• C. Transference
• D. Countertransference

Answer: (B)

Catharsis is the process of releasing pent-up emotions by talking through troubling experiences, which often brings relief. Abreaction is a closely related form where the emotional charge is discharged by reliving or explicitly expressing the feelings tied to a past event. Together, they describe the therapeutic effect of verbalizing difficulties to purge emotions, which is why this option fits best.

Sublimation involves channeling emotions into acceptable activities rather than purging them; transference is about projecting feelings onto the therapist; countertransference is the therapist’s emotional reaction to the patient.