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Psychoanalysis and change: between curiosity and faith.
Jose Alberto Zusman1, Elie Cheniaux, Sergio de Freitas
1Rua Visconde de Pirajá 550/2005, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22410-002, Brazil. jazusman@infolink.com.br
The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis
|January 25, 2007
Summary
The International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA) now accepts three sessions weekly for psychoanalytic treatment. This shift highlights a crisis in psychoanalysis, risking tradition over the core purpose of exploring human nature.
Area of Science:
- Psychoanalysis
- Psychotherapy
- Psychology
Background:
- The International Psychoanalytical Association (IPA) recently redefined psychoanalytic treatment frequency, accepting three sessions per week.
- This decision has sparked debate, revealing an identity crisis within psychoanalysis.
- Technical aspects of therapy are increasingly prioritized over core theoretical principles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the implications of the IPA's decision on the identity and practice of psychoanalysis.
- To explore the shift in focus from profound human nature investigation to formalistic adherence.
- To examine the risk of sacrificing psychoanalytic curiosity for traditional practices.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of the ongoing debate surrounding the IPA's new guidelines.
- Historical review of psychoanalytic theory and practice, referencing Sigmund Freud's principles.
- Conceptual analysis of the definition and scope of psychoanalysis versus psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Main Results:
- The debate underscores a crisis in psychoanalysis, characterized by a shift towards technical parameters like session frequency.
- Freud's original focus on universal human phenomena and major theoretical issues is contrasted with current trends.
- A distinction between psychoanalysis and other psychotherapies, based on core principles rather than technicalities, is being blurred.
Conclusions:
- Psychoanalysis risks losing its core purpose by overemphasizing formal aspects like session frequency.
- The current direction may sacrifice the spirit of scientific curiosity for adherence to tradition.
- Re-evaluation is needed to ensure psychoanalysis remains dedicated to investigating the profound workings of human nature.
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