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Love in the therapeutic alliance
1New York Freudian Society, USA. Jnovick@umich.edu
Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association
|May 16, 2000
Summary
Therapist love for patients is explored, distinguishing between reality-based and omnipotent self-esteem systems. Understanding these dynamics is key to navigating the therapeutic alliance and treatment phases effectively.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy
- Psychoanalysis
Background:
- Limited scholarly attention has been given to the therapist's love for the patient.
- Existing literature primarily focuses on patient transference and love for the therapist.
Observation:
- This study introduces a revised concept of the therapeutic alliance to explore therapist love.
- It identifies two distinct systems of self-esteem regulation influencing this dynamic: an open, reality-oriented system and a closed, sadomasochistic system.
Findings:
- The research delineates two types of love between patient and therapist, linked to these self-esteem systems.
- Love's role is examined through various treatment phases, highlighting its connection to therapeutic alliance tasks.
Implications:
- Provides a theoretical framework for discussing therapist love in clinical practice.
- Offers technical guidelines for managing love within the therapeutic relationship.
- Enhances understanding of how love impacts the accomplishment of therapeutic goals.