Changes in the therapist's working theory.
Theory, a system of ideas aimed at explaining clinical data, has in psychoanalysis (and in psychotherapy) a preponderant and subjective status in the mind of the analyst. It is a part of the conscious and unconscious world of the analyst and intertwines with his personality. A free, fluent therapeutic process demands a constant dialectical movement between theory and practice. Dogmatic or rigid application of theory, or its ever possible use as a defence or counter-resistance, freeze the dialectical movement. Two short vignettes illustrate the use and misuse of theory. The discussion focuses on how to bring together the vertex of the analyst and the vertex of the patient, the already-known theoretical knowledge with the not-yet-known discourse of the patient. Free floating theorization (Aulagnier) enables a bridging of the gap and will make a flexible use of theory possible.
Out-patient Clinic, Geha Psychiatric Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel.
M
M
Granek
D000328:Adult; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003379:Countertransference; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010551:Personality; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011573:Psychoanalytic Interpretation; D011574:Psychoanalytic Theory; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D014473:Unconscious, Psychology