Psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy: Is there a meaningful distinction in the process?

The purpose of this article is to delineate general features of the psychoanalytic process that are more encompassing of contemporary theoretical models, and to use these features as criteria to explore if a meaningful distinction can be made between psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Following a brief historical review of the literature, the author discusses the basis of theory, research, and practice of the so-called extrinsic and intrinsic criteria for psychoanalysis, and concludes that a meaningful distinction with psychoanalytic psychotherapy cannot be made. The author then offers the fundamental features of the psychoanalytic process that can include all psychoanalytic approaches. It is proposed that the psychoanalytic investigatory stance involves inquiry based on variable admixture of the empathic and other-centered listening vantage points, and that the distinctive domain of psychoanalytic inquiry is not just the patient's experience of the analytic relationship, but the patient's total experiential world. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A reply to Golland's "Politics of Leveling."

In "Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic therapy: Is There a Meaningful Distinction in the Process?" J. L. Fosshage (see record 1997-38544-006) reassessed, on the basis of theory, research, and practice, the extrinsic and intrinsic criteria for psychoanalysis and concluded, from today's perspective, that a meaningful distinction with psychoanalytic psychotherapy cannot be made. J. H. Golland (see record 1999-00333-007) coming from a classical psychoanalytic perspective, decried these conclusions about psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. This article is a reply to Golland. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Determinants of patients' choice of therapist.

Examined the impact of choice of psychotherapist (PT) on outcome in a longitudinal study. 97 patients (aged 17–50 yrs) chose a PT after interviewing 3. Ss were compared with control patients who were assigned to PTs. Interpersonal attraction, perception attribution, demographic variables, and similarity between PT and patient were explored. Ss made differential judgments about PTs early in the therapeutic encounter and stated clear rationales for their choices. PTs tended to express a stronger desire to work with Ss who chose them. Further, there seemed to be similarites in PTs' and Ss' perceptions, suggesting reciprocity in the therapeutic relationship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Countertransference as the analyst's experience of the analysand: Influence of listening perspectives.

Discusses countertransference as part of the analyst's larger experience of the patient, to capture the complexity of the analyst's involvement and correctly place it as a central guide for inquiry and interventions. The analyst's experience of the patient is shaped not only by the patient, but also by his listening perspective, models, and subjectivities. The analyst experientially can resonate with the patient's affect and experience from within the viewpoint of the patient (subject centered), or of the other person in a relationship with the patient (other centered). The analyst's listening from within and without, oscillating in a background–foreground configuration, can illuminate more fully the patient's experience of self and of self in relation to others. Case studies of 2 women and 1 man are included. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)