Some Complexities in the Relationship of Psychoanalytic Theory to Technique

Abstract

This paper considers the current fragmentation of psychoanalytic theory as a result of the illusorily close association of practice and theory. The author argues that the politically motivated assertion of a direct connection between theory and practice should be set aside and that practice should be liberated from theory, permitting theory to evolve in the context of radically modified patterns of practice. If theory were decoupled from practice, technique might progress on purely pragmatic grounds, on the basis of what is seen to work. Psychoanalytic theory of mental function could then follow practice, integrating what is newly discovered through innovative methods of clinical work. Such a pragmatic, principally action-oriented use of theory would bring psychoanalysis more in line with modern, postempirical views of science.

A Relational Intersubjective Approach to Conjoint Treatment

“…Split complementarity also frequently devolves into shaming one another, further impairing their capacity to mentalize (Fonagy et al, 2002;Fonagy, 2003;Wallin, 2007)-that is, to know their own minds-as well as to accept one another's differences. The degree of mentalization correlates with the degree of shame that each experiences.…”

Commentary on “Integrating the Psychoanalytic and Neurobiological Views of Panic Disorder”

“…Nevertheless, even if psychoanalysis proves effective for treating panic disorder, it is quite a separate matter as to whether or not the mechanisms mediating the therapeutic effect are adequately explained by either psychoanalytic or classical conditioning theory. Along these lines, Fonagy (2003) has emphasized the importance of dissociating the efficacy and refinement of psychoanalysis in practice from the theoretical constructs upon which it has It is a Herculean task to integrate psychoanalytic theory and practice with contemporary neuroscience. In their paper, Alexander, Feigelson, & Gorman attempt to advance such an integration by reconciling the psychoanalytic perspective on panic disorder with a proposed model of fear conditioning as it relates to anxiety disorders.…”

Ist es utopisch, sich zuk�nftige Psychoanalytiker ohne besondere berufliche Identit�t vorzustellen?

“…Eine Studie von Fonagy (2003) hat zu einer weiteren Klärung meines Denkens beigetragen. Er schreibt: "In Anbetracht der logischen Schwächen unserer Position neigen wir dazu, den klinischen Theorien den Status von Gesetzen zuzuschreiben" (ebd., S. 19) und Verhalten und Erleben unserer Patienten von diesen zu deduzieren.…”

“…Fine 1990;Schafer 1990;Richards 1991;Richard u. Richards 1995;Thomä 1999). Fonagy (2003) hält die Bezeichnung "Pluralismus" für einen Euphemismus, der die tatsächlich bestehende "Fragmentation" verdecke.…”