Final answer:
Free association is central to the process of psychoanalysis, a technique developed by Sigmund Freud to uncover unconscious thoughts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Free association is central to the process of psychoanalysis. This psychological technique was developed by Sigmund Freud and is employed within psychoanalytic therapy to access the unconscious mind. Patients are encouraged to verbalize thoughts as they arise, without censorship or filtering, which can reveal insights into their unconscious thoughts and motivations. Psychoanalysis has had a profound impact on understanding the human psyche, although some of Freud's methodologies and theories have been met with criticism and evolution over time.