Which technique did Freud use to investigate the unconscious mind?

Freud employed the technique of free association as a primary method for exploring the unconscious mind. In free association, patients are encouraged to speak freely about their thoughts, feelings, and dreams without censorship. This process allows unfiltered thoughts to surface, which can reveal hidden conflicts and desires that are not readily accessible through conscious thought. By analyzing these spontaneous responses, Freud believed that one could gain insight into the unconscious processes that shape behavior and personality.

The technique is rooted in the idea that the unconscious mind contains repressed thoughts and emotions, which can manifest in various ways, including neuroses. Free association acts as a pathway for individuals to access these deeper layers of their psyche, facilitating a better understanding of their inner conflicts and motivations. This method was foundational to Freud's psychoanalytic theory and remains a significant aspect of psychotherapeutic practices that focus on uncovering the unconscious.