Showing papers in "International Forum of Psychoanalysis in 2004"
TL;DR: The experience of parenting a child with autism is one of change to the parent's self as discussed by the authors and the associated triad of impairment in autism of impaired communication, social skills and a repetitive way of being permeates into the self of the parent through the medium of the social parent child relationship.
Abstract: The experience of parenting a child with autism is one of change to the parent's self. The associated triad of impairment in autism of impaired communication, social skills and a repetitive way of being permeates into the self of the parent through the medium of the social parent child relationship. This is a progressive process likened to the parent being pulled into a vortex. The existential mechanisms through which this may plausibly occur are considered.
49 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address the issue of the measurement of attachment patterns and how knowledge of these can inform psychoanalysts' work with their patients, focusing particularly on how it can help with the crucial phase of building the working alliance.
Abstract: John Bowlby's Attachment Theory is being increasingly operationalised in the world of developmental research, but as yet its implications for clinical work are relatively less discussed. This paper addresses the issue of the measurement of attachment patterns and how knowledge of these can inform psychoanalysts’ work with their patients. It looks at the implications of Attachment Theory at all stages of the therapeutic process, but concentrates particularly on how it can help with the crucial phase of building the working alliance.
26 citations
TL;DR: This paper reviewed central concepts and research findings of attachment theory emphasizing its clinical relevance to psychoanalytically informed clinicians and then turn to a historical analysis in order to understand why Bowlby's contributions and attachment theory have begun to have a significant impact among clinicians within the last ten years.
Abstract: The paper reviews central concepts and research findings of attachment theory emphasizing its clinical relevance to psychoanalytically informed clinicians We then turn to a historical analysis in order to understand why Bowlby's work was dismissed within psychoanalytic circles and the reasons why Bowlby's contributions and attachment theory have begun to have a significant impact among clinicians within the last ten years
25 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the concept and the fate of the transgenerational alien transplant as well as the splitting that occurs over time as disavowal takes on different shapes and forms as it courses through the generations.
Abstract: How can familiarity with Ferenczi's theory of trauma help us hear the constraints imposed by family secrets on the traumatized child in the adult who addresses himself to us? We focus our elaboration on the concept and the fate of the trans‐generational alien transplant as well as the splitting that occurs over time as disavowal takes on different shapes and forms as it courses through the generations. In the first generation it takes the shape of an object of negation, in the second, denial and in the third generation, family secrets can be foreclosed. Three clinical vignettes will help us see what may become of these traumatized children summoned to silence and how our own counter‐transference can interact with or against disavowal.
24 citations
TL;DR: The relationship between trauma and the symbolic function of the mind is discussed in this paper, where a short outline is given of the longlasting split within the field of trauma: it consists in a dichotomy between the symbolic and anti-symbolic reading of the traumatic experience, as I have called it in a previous paper.
Abstract: The relationship between trauma and the symbolic function of the mind is discussed in three parts. First, a short outline is given of the long‐lasting split within the field of trauma: it consists in a dichotomy between the symbolic and anti‐symbolic reading of the traumatic experience – as I have called it in a previous paper. In the second part, it is maintained that the work of Ferenczi represents an attempt at overcoming this split. In the third and last part, the notion of symbolic adaptation is introduced. The process of adaptation has to ensure the survival of the individual along lines capable to foster the hope that the lost equilibrium between the individual and his environment will one day be restored. This function is performed by symbols: by linking together the lost satisfaction and the hoped‐for wish‐fulfillment, by creating bridges between past and future, symbols enable us to adjust to the new environment without renouncing hope. Symbols are mediators between the pleasure principle and th...
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the author discusses the topic of identity in psychoanalysis and underlines the lack of interest among analysts in exploring this concept, and what the difference is between identity and the Freudian Ego, and between Identity and the Self.
Abstract: The author discusses the topic of identity in psychoanalysis. He underlines the lack of interest among analysts in exploring this concept. He wonders what the difference is between Identity and the Freudian Ego, and between Identity and the Self. Having in the past been explained in its connection to the Object and to the Self through identification and narcissism, Identity should be conceived as the process of self‐mirroring today, which is the result of the subject's experience in his relationship with the other and of the incidence of a self‐reflective function. Regarding the human being as a system, this implies a tendency to recognise oneself. Instead of thinking about identity as a psychological instance or a conceptual alternative to the Ego or of the Self, it can be conceptualised as a specific feature of the human system, which is at the basis of individual psychological development.
18 citations
TL;DR: Ferenczi's (1933) concept of identification with the aggressor has radical implications for our understanding of analytic technique and its very frequent occurrence also forces us to broaden our understanding on what constitutes trauma as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Ferenczi's (1933) surprisingly unknown concept of identification with the aggressor – an abuse victim's ‘eliminating’ her own subjectivity and ‘becoming’ precisely what an attacker needs her to be – has radical implications for our understanding of analytic technique Its very frequent occurrence also forces us to broaden our understanding of what constitutes trauma Ferenczi saw the experience of ‘traumatic aloneness’ or ‘emotional abandonment’ as the key element of trauma, since this is what enforces the traumatic responses of dissociation and identification with the aggressor Identification with the aggressor operates in the analytic relationship in both patient and analyst This has various consequences, including the structuring of the relationship through unconscious collusions – mutually coordinated, defensive identifications designed to help both participants feel secure This view of the analytic relationship has clinical implications in at least four areas: the understanding of the patient's fr
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the author examines the affective and cognitive qualities that render Ferenczi a mentor of our possible future development, taking into consideration the communicative and intersubjective perspective that denotes Fénczi's thought since his first writings; the receptive, reflective, and selfreflective capacities which have progressively accompanied his own commitment and clinical attitude; and his elective work on trauma and the traumatic, including the algogenic messages transmitted during the healing process by analysts in fear (and perhaps terror) of the...
Abstract: A society undergoing rapid change, which doubts its own possibilities of survival, calls into question the worth of psychoanalytical theory and practice. The author emphasizes that the Ferenczian clinical evolution could be a source of inspiration for reinvigorating our trust in the prodromes of the Freudian paradigm, and thus for relaunching the authoritativeness of our thought and our psychotherapeutic method. In this light the author examines the affective and cognitive qualities that render Ferenczi a mentor of our possible future development, taking into consideration the following aspects: the communicative and intersubjective perspective that denotes Ferenczi's thought since his first writings; the receptive, reflective, and self‐reflective capacities which have progressively accompanied his own commitment and clinical attitude; and his elective work on trauma and “the traumatic”, including the algogenic messages transmitted during the healing process by analysts in fear (and perhaps terror) of the...
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors suggest that the professional self is closely connected to the personal self and that it is necessary to separate the method from the person, and that the psychosocial dimension and its normative implications put the concept of identity into question.
Abstract: The subject matter of identity belongs to the orthodox psychoanalytic movement. For about the last 15 years, the International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) has successfully tried to facilitate research and to promote projects. If the resistance of influential analysts against empirical investigation decreases further, “psychoanalytic movement” and its unfavourable concomitants will be a thing of the past. The development to a scientific community will no longer be hampered by controversies over professional identity. To the memory of Alexander Mitscherlich. The psychosocial dimension and its normative implications put the concept of identity into question. Instead the author suggests that we speak of a psychoanalytic attitude. This professional self is closely connected to the personal self. It is however, necessary to separate the method from the person. For a long time the genealogy of the training analyst determined the membership in the ever‐growing family of psychoanalysts. There have been black...
14 citations
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TL;DR: A historical overview of the evolution of "identity" indicates that this term was more commonly used prior to the elaboration of the sense of self as discussed by the authors, and that the development of self was linked to interactions between self and other.
Abstract: A historical overview of the evolution of “identity” indicates that this term was more commonly used prior to the elaboration of the sense of self. Erik Erikson and Heinz Lichtenstein elaborated “identity” in their epigenetic and clinical theories, respectively, and were criticized by psychoanalysts for relying on social, cultural, anthropological data rather than psychoanalytic treatment. Formulations with respect to “identity formation” subsequently shifted to the psychological and developmental constructs, “self” and “sense of self.” In her contribution, Edith Jacobson made autonomy, separateness, and independence central to the establishment of one's identity. She buttresses this view through her description of the relationship of the developing self to its world of objects. Pursuing the elaboration of “self” through empirical infant studies, Daniel Stern formulated the development of “senses of self” as linked to interactions between self and other. A clinical vignette illustrates the sources of a pa...
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be a helpful form of treatment for certain autistic children, and some of the misconceptions surrounding this kind of treatment are discussed.
Abstract: This paper proposes that psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be a helpful form of treatment for certain autistic children. Some of the misconceptions surrounding this kind of treatment are discussed. The literature identifying a particular sub‐group of autistic children is then reviewed and the characteristics of this group, and the relationship of their difficulties to early trauma, are described. Using clinical material from work with a child who probably fell within this sub‐group, and who had very marked autistic features, the paper illustrates the importance of the therapist taking an active role in the therapy and how this helped the child to emerge from his withdrawn state. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of introducing themes of aggression, and of this being done in a playful way. The impact of trauma on children's development, with particular reference to the acquisition of language, is considered. The role of sibling rivalry as a factor is emphasised.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine how Sandor Ferenczi has survived in the cultural memory of psychoanalysis, and why myths and legends have been created around his life and work.
Abstract: I examine how Sandor Ferenczi has survived in the cultural memory of psychoanalysis, and why myths and legends have been created around his life and work. It seems that he could not escape the fate of the founding fathers of psychoanalysis, most notably, that of Freud and Jung: their life and work have become an object of cultic respect for the followers, diabolic figures for the enemies. Quasi-religious cultivation of the “great man” is an often observable phenomenon in literature, politics, history and in science, and it has several political and ideological functions. These functions may help to increase the inner cohesion and the group identity of the cultic community, to defend the group against external threats. Psychoanalysis has always been vulnerable to myth formation; first, for obvious sociological reasons, and, secondly, for reasons originating in the nature of therapy. The cultic functions can be realized in several ways, such as, for example, the ritualization of the transmission of knowledg...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss psychoanalysis as a mutual exchange between the analyst and analysand, and illustrate through some case study vignettes the intersubjective and intrapsychic dynamic in the process of traumatization.
Abstract: The paper discusses psychoanalysis as a mutual exchange between the analyst and analysand. A number of questions are raised: What was Ferenczi's and the early psychoanalysts' contribution to the interpersonal relational dynamics of psychoanalytic treatment? Why did countertransference become an indispensable tool in relationship‐based psychoanalysis? Why is the transference‐countertransference dynamic seen as a special dialogue between the analyst and analysand? What was Ferenczi's paradigm shift in the trauma theory? How did he combine the object relation approach with Freud's original trauma theory? The paper illustrates through some case study vignettes the intersubjective and intrapsychic dynamic in the process of traumatization. We can look at countertransference as an indicator of the patient's basic interpersonal experiences and traumas. Finally the paper discusses countertransference in the light of attachment theory, connecting the early initiatives of inter‐relational approaches in psychoanalysi...
TL;DR: The concept of parenthood as defined in classical theory and later theorizations is discussed in this article, where the author illustrates this with a model of psychotherapies and parallel analyses of parents and children tested and elaborated in public and private practice, showing its therapeutic and cognitive advantages.
Abstract: The concept of parenthood as defined in classical theory and later theorizations is discussed. Parenthood is defined as a transformative process, activated by the idea of having a child and by interaction with the child, through which a constellation of affective and psychic capacities is developed, promoting growth and psychic change and evolving over time. Parental functions, rather than being learnable skills, are considered as mind functions linked to character traits that cannot be split from the personality as a whole and are, as such, susceptible to improvement through psychotherapeutic work. The author illustrates this with a model of psychotherapies and parallel analyses of parents and children tested and elaborated in public and private practice, showing its therapeutic and cognitive advantages. The central thesis of the paper is that whatever the approach and working method with the parents, the therapeutic space offered encourages certain processes that are vital for the structuring of the sel...
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TL;DR: Ermann as discussed by the authors described medial identity as an adaptation to non-contingent experiences, which is the prototype of a narcissistic relation structure by arousing needs but not answering them.
Abstract: Ermann M. On Medial Identity. Int Forum Psychoanal 2004;13:275–83. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X. An important change is taking place in the identity forming processes in human development, caused by the increasing medialisation of communication, through television, video and Internet. In this regard, the medial mode of communication seems to be more important than the overwhelming variety of the transmitted contents. It represents the prototype of a narcissistic relation structure by arousing needs but not answering them. The identification with this mode of communication creates what the author calls medial identity in this paper. It is described as an adaptation to non‐contingent experiences. An interaction consists between the medialisation of the adult world and an estrangement in the identity forming developmental conditions in childhood, which gets more influential from generation to generation. The increasing usualness of the described phenomena indicates that a new normality is heralded here.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focused their attention on difficult patients who have experienced cumulative affective traumas in their lives and reflected upon what are the main characteristics of transformative interpretations and the mental and affective conditions that support them.
Abstract: Through numerous clinical examples and from a point of view focused on field theory the author reflects upon what are the main characteristics of ‘transformative interpretations’ and upon the mental and affective conditions that support it. He especially centers his attention on difficult patients who have experienced cumulative affective traumas in their lives.
TL;DR: In this paper, Ferenczi's concept of identification with the aggressor is compared with clinical experience in order to understand and challenge the subjective consequences of traumatic social violence, in the three spaces of subjectivity (intra-, inter-, and trans-) considering psychic dynamics in relation to reality contexts.
Abstract: Traumatic social violence provokes adaptive transubjective phenomena of banalization, familiarity and obviousness, which can be understood as a ‘defence through ambiguity’ that leads to an ‘adaptation to whatsoever’. In a state of ambiguity there is numbing of critical thinking and of the alarm mechanisms. During the psychoanalytic process with survivors of social violence (torture, etc.) we can find a secret refusal of the external alienating situation in the intrapsychic representation of an ‘object to be saved’, an object of concern. In this paper, Ferenczi's concept of ‘identification with the aggressor’ (introjection of the culpability of the abuser on the child's subjectivity) is compared with this clinical experience. We try to understand and challenge through comprehension and insight the subjective consequences of traumatic social violence, in the three spaces of subjectivity (intra‐, inter‐, trans‐) considering psychic dynamics in relation to reality contexts.
TL;DR: According to as discussed by the authors, the identity process does not come to an end after the individual has passed through the normative identity and developmental crises, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood, and it requires consciousness of the past in the present.
Abstract: Originally the subject of Identity was a domain of sociology and social psychology. Since the basic contributions of H. E. Erikson in the 1950s, it has also involved psychoanalysts and become an approach for understanding the emergence and function of a “social” self. With Jacobson, Mahler and modern infant research it was absorbed by the concept of the Self and became a component of self-psychology without being regarded as an area of its own. Not until the last decade of the 20th century did an increasing interest in identity re-emerge among psychoanalysts. It was based on the rapid social change of the western world and culture, which caused what social human sciences conceptualised as a collective identity crisis. The question how the changed environmental conditions affect the psychic constitution and whether or how identity changes under the influence of the conditions of the modern world tends to become more and more pressing today. It turns out that Erikson’s idea of a gradual development, which, after the individual has gone through the “normative” identity crisis during adolescence, leads to a relatively long lasting identity state, can hardly be maintained in our time. Instead, another aspect, which was already contained in Erikson’s developmental model, became predominant – the idea of a long-lasting identity process. According to current ideas the identity process does not come to an end after the individual has passed through the normative identity and developmental crises, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood. Facing permanently changing role offers and interaction possibilities, today’s individual is in a continuous developmental crisis. The identity process therefore lasts all life long and comes to end only with the end of our life. In the present discussion identity proves increasingly to be a construct, which has to be considered from two sides. Actually, there are two dimensions coming into focus: content and function. In regard to content, identity contains the sum of identifications with patterns adopted from of emotionally important others and according to Erikson convey the sense of continuity and i ividuality. We can only attain that sense when we match the ourself-concept in the eyes of others. The sense of identity arises from adapting to roles. It implies latent tension between role xpectations by others and the self-concept. One must assume today that the variety and multiplicity of roles induces an unlimited potential space in which “modern” identity occurs. One can no longer imagine identity as being related to one or a few concepts from outside (Others) or inside (Self), but rather as a condensation of partial identities, a network in which the Self is looking for its place in conformity with its actual need of identity, which depends on the context. The second dimension thereby gets increasing importance: Identity as a function. This function is the conjunction of different, partly disparate identities into a continuous sense of identity. It requires consciousness of the past in the present. This function is realized by what one may call the “identity principle”, which serves the aim of maintaining a feeling of continuity and accordance with oneself. It is based on integrative ego functions, which serve to resolve tensions between the inside and the outside, between the past and the present and between partial self-aspects and social role offers. It has to do with the balance between drives and social roles and expectations. Today’s discourse on Identity is also devoted to the development of identity particularly in early i teractions. They correspond with the developmental research and make use of its results. Thus, concepts like the success of very early intersubjective exchange processes move into the centre of the theory formation, like mirroring, reflexive functioning or basic fitting together in the primary care relationship. The crucial question arising in this discussion, is whether and how the feeling of being unique and separable from others
TL;DR: In this article, Castel's description of the network society is examined and the disintegration of the patriarchal family is discussed, a process that is dependent on the diversification of family types, the increasing amount of women in working life and the feminist movement.
Abstract: Starting with Castel's description of the network society the author examines the disintegration of the patriarchal family. A process that is dependent on the diversification of family types, the increasing amount of women in working life and the feminist movement. The changes in ideology and in the means of production influence the development of individuals. This is discussed with respect to Erikson's epigenetic diagram and Fromm's theory of a social character. These social processes also effect psychoanalytical theory especially how we understand female sexuality and perversions or neoesexuality.
TL;DR: In this article, Primo Levi, the internationally esteemed citizen of Turin, Italy and survivor of the Auschwitz, instructs post 9/11 psychoanalysis in five lessons on living and dying in the aftermath of severe trauma.
Abstract: This article invites Primo Levi, the internationally esteemed citizen of Turin, Italy and survivor of the Auschwitz to instruct post 9/11 psychoanalysis in five lessons on living and dying in the aftermath of severe trauma Relying on excerpts from Levi's writings, the author invites Levi to speak to the reader words of warning concerning contemporary psychoanalysis' benign omnipotence in embracing overly simplistic theories of cure, resiliency and psychic repatriation of the human spirit in the aftermath of severe trauma
TL;DR: In this paper, a close examination of the complex relationship between Freud and Ferenczi's contribution to the evolution of psychoanalysis is presented, focusing on transference and countertransference, early affectivity, different psychic trauma, phenomena connected with dissociation and the healing factor of the analysis.
Abstract: In an historical context focused on a close examination of the complex relationship between Freud and Ferenczi, the author shows Ferenczi's contribution to the evolution of psychoanalysis. He describes how his ideas and his therapeutic sensitivity anticipated modern clinical thought (for example, Winnicott and Bion), especially the understanding of borderline and narcissistic pathology. The paper considers the following topics: transference and countertransference; early affectivity; the different psychic trauma; phenomena connected with dissociation; the healing factor of the analysis.
TL;DR: The main parameters of this consideration foreshadow those that, in the following decades, were to be at the centre of some of the most significant developments in psychoanalysis, in particular those of M. Klein, W. R. Bion and D. W. Winnicott as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Following a thorough study of the Clinical Diary (1932), the author aims to put forward Sandor Ferenczi's theoretical discoveries, which allow him to settle a very advanced clinical consideration. The main parameters of this consideration foreshadow those that, in the following decades, were to be at the centre of some of the most significant developments in psychoanalysis, in particular those of M. Klein, W. R. Bion and D. W. Winnicott.
TL;DR: In this paper, the widening and modification of the sense of existence in relation to the unconscious processes of identification is discussed, and Ferenczi's thought, which deals with the feeling of not-existing in some children, helps us to go into depth in understanding their difficulties and pathologies.
Abstract: This paper gives special emphasis to the widening and modification of the sense of existence in relation to the unconscious processes of identification. In our ‘post‐modern’ society there are some parents who, while taking care of their children, use subtle projective identification against them, so as to produce in them a sort of pathological introjective identification, which denies their Self. Ferenczi's thought, which deals with the sense of ‘not‐existing’ in some children, helps us to go into depth in understanding their difficulties and pathologies.
TL;DR: A study of 40 youngsters who live and work in the streets of Mexico City and who have abandoned their homes for significant periods of time is presented in this paper, with the aim of facilitating the access of these children to graphic arts, artistic creation and therapeutic listening.
Abstract: We present a study of 40 youngsters who live and work in the streets of Mexico City and who have abandoned their homes for significant periods of time They seek out their own means of survival from a very young age In many cases they have children of their own already as teenagers The Seminario de Sociopsicoanalisis was invited to take part in a project aimed at facilitating the access of these children to graphic arts, artistic creation and therapeutic listening This article presents our principal findings of the children's everyday life conditions, their work and their dreams, based on data obtained from social character questionnaires – with which therapeutic intervention in this project began Vignettes of two case studies are also presented The interviews were complemented by data gathered in weekly sessions attended by the youngsters on a voluntary bases The sessions attested to both the narcissistic, aggressive impulsiveness of these youngsters and the vital effort they make toward their own
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore aspects of this relationship particularly around issues of mutuality versus inequality, all occurring without the conscious involvement of either participant, and propose that these issues of attachment can be further illuminated by examining the underlying neuropsychobiological processes.
Abstract: Following Ferenczi's tradition of examining the dynamics between analyst and analysand, I will explore aspects of this relationship particularly around issues of mutuality versus inequality, all occurring without the conscious involvement of either participant. I propose that these issues of attachment can be further illuminated by examining the underlying neuropsychobiological processes. Case examples will be offered to illustrate these points.
TL;DR: The Multifamily Psychoanalysis (MP) as discussed by the authors was created by the author to counteract a current psychiatric trend aimed at eliminating the importance of subjectivity and to rescue the thinking of Ferenczi.
Abstract: This paper is aimed at placing the importance of Ferenczi's thinking in the wide field of psychiatry where Ferenczi has not been given any niche whatsoever. The author is in a position to approach topics that are fundamental for the work of both psychiatry and psychoanalysis. The Multifamily Psychoanalysis (MP), created by the author, not only allows professionals to counteract a current psychiatric trend aimed at eliminating the importance of subjectivity but MP also contributes to rescuing the thinking of Ferenczi, and to a better understanding of the Freud‐Ferenczi controversy. It is the author's contention that Ferenczi embodies the very spirit of pioneers: no difficulties, however insurmountable, could ever stop him. He paved the way for further psychiatric research work, and his clinical contribution extended the realm of metapsychology.
TL;DR: In this paper, Ferenczi's contributions in "The Development of Psychoanalysis" (with Otto Rank) and in his "Clinical Diary" are pivotal for the development of modern psychotherapy with severely disturbed patients.
Abstract: This paper tries to show that Ferenczi's contributions in “The Development of Psychoanalysis” (with Otto Rank) and in his “Clinical Diary” are pivotal for the development of modern psychotherapy with severely disturbed patients. In addition, the question of whether a psychotherapeutic technique should or could be communicated to others is discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the operation of the mechanisms of dreaming in the processing of early traumatic situations and their clinical utilization, and established the difference between recurring and non-repetition.
Abstract: Based on the concepts of Sandor Ferenczi on trauma and vincularity, the author examines the operation of the mechanisms of dreaming in the processing of early traumatic situations and their clinical utilization. The difference is established between dreams of “repetition”, which lack dream imagery and contain a great amount of anguish, consisting of bodily sensations which may last on awakening, and the “secondary dream” with imagery, into which the first type can be transformed when the capacity of the psychic apparatus to process the traumatic situation is increased through therapeutic work. This “secondarization” of the repetitive dream has a traumatolytic effect, allowing the patient to reach psychoanalytically the mechanisms and mental states prevailing in the traumatic situation, through the mechanism of dream autorepresentation described by Silberer. In some cases, as illustrated in the clinical material, it is possible to anticipate the event of episodes of somatic disease before they become clini...
TL;DR: In this article, Ferenczi tried to complement the negative technical principles first introduced by Freud in the 1910s by introducing diverse and successive "positive instructions" and specific techniques known as "elastic" of "relaxation and neocatharsis" and also made an unsucessful attempt to introduce "mutual analysis".
Abstract: In his last period (1928–33), Ferenczi tried to complement the ‘negative’ technical principles first introduced by Freud in the 1910s. He introduced diverse and successive ‘positive instructions’, and specific techniques known as ‘elastic’ of ‘relaxation and neocatharsis’, and also made an unsucessful attempt to introduce ‘mutual analysis’. These techniques are implemented around a series of new technical principles including ‘tact’, ‘empathy’, ‘indulgence’, ‘intense sympathy’. All of these positive technical principles and innovations demonstrate the importance of considering the dimension of ‘healing’ in all analytic experiences and the importance of the analyst's functioning as the ‘healer’. The emphasis on the use of these new technical principles is consistent with the emphasis Ferenczi places upon countertransference and traumatic factors in psychopathogenesis.
TL;DR: Bowlby's theory is based on clinical accounts of cases of important loss experiences as discussed by the authors, and has been systematically observed by attachment researchers, through the development of a series of instruments that gauge interpersonal communication.
Abstract: All contemporary psychoanalytical theorists are concerned with the common problem of how to account for the preeminent importance of relations. John Bowlby, the founder of attachment theory, suggests that “instinctive” behavioral systems underlie much of the emotional life of man and have developed because they were necessary for survival. The system with which he was almost exclusively concerned was the multitude of behaviors and experiences constituting the child's “attachment” to the mother. This “strikingly strong tie, evident particularly when disrupted”, has systematically been observed by attachment researchers, through the development of a series of instruments that gauge interpersonal communication. These interpersonal communications have on their part been found to “contain traces of developmental history”. A previous version of this paper was presented at the XII IFPS Forum, Oslo, May 2002. Bowlby's theory is based on clinical accounts of cases of important loss experiences. A transcendental r...