The Function of Theory in Psychoanalysis: a Self Psychological Perspective

Abstract

Although aware of a lack of consensus in the literature about the exact nature of the relationship between psychoanalytic theory and the clinical process, the authors contend that the analyst's theory(ies) are inextricably intertwined with the treatment process. Two clinical case examples are presented to illustrate this and to highlight the authors' discussion of the empathic mode of listening and its role in self psychology, as well as the self-object transferences and the interpretive process in self psychology.

When is therapist metacommunication followed by more client collaboration? The moderation effects of timing and contexts.

“…Gelso and Kanninen (2016) also stressed the importance of therapist neutrality and cautioned against being excessively warm and supportive, or taking sides in client’s intrapersonal and interpersonal struggles, or inappropriately gratifying clients’ emotional demands. On the other hand, in other theoretical orientations, for example, person-centered and humanistic approaches (Rogers, 2012), therapists seem to be more explicitly warm and affiliative and some scholars maintained that refraining from being warm and supportive to the client may in fact be nontherapeutic (Ornstein & Ornstein, 2003; Wachtel, 2011). The preliminary results from this study seemed to be providing some support to both arguments, suggesting more complex relationships (e.g., as a protective rather than facilitative factor) that might be contingent on other moderating variables (importantly, timing within the session).…”

Zrcaljenje I Terapijski Proces

“…self-state is dependent on him, not on the instinctual needs. Self-objects are best conceptualized as functions (like mirroring, approval, calming, idealization, affirmation), and not actual persons (27). In the case of the patient whose text is before us, the emphatic capacity of his therapist helped him "to be" (to exists) through the self-object functions just mentioned.…”

“…Zrcalni transfer javlja se kada je analitičar iskusan u ispunjavanju funkcija koje uspostavljaju strukturu selfa (structure-building), funkcija koje pacijent još uvijek ne može izvoditi sam (27).…”

Neutrality revisited: On the value of being neutral within an empathic atmosphere.

“…As this has occurred, the term neutrality , once seen as a fundamentally important concept in psychoanalytic treatment, has become close to a dirty word. It has variously been described as harmful (Orenstein & Orenstein, 2003), impossible to render (Renik, 1996), or simply inert (Wachtel, 2011). The general view may be best captured by the psychoanalytic therapist, Paul Wachtel, when he tells us that “You can’t go far in neutral” (Wachtel, 2011, p. 19).…”