The myth of the ‘correct’ interpretation

Starting from a quotation by Winnicott and a clinical vignette, the irreducible multiplicity of possible interpretations of a clinical situation is illustrated. Interpretations can, at their best, be in tune, but never ‘correct’. Nevertheless, the possibility of a ‘correctness’ of interpretations is claimed ever and again, even after taking increasingly into account the subjectivity of the analyst. The individuality of the analyst as major source of influence thereby is insufficiently taken into consideration. Conclusions concerning the description of clinical situations are given.