On learning to inquire: Revisiting the detailed inquiry

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychoanalysis
• Psychotherapy

Background:

• Psychoanalysis traditionally discourages active questioning.
• Interpersonal approaches utilize inquiry extensively.
• Supervision can present novel therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

• The author experienced disorientation when first encountering an interpersonal analytic approach emphasizing active questioning.
• This disorientation stemmed from a contrast with traditional psychoanalytic methods.
• The approach involved detailed inquiry during supervision.

Findings:

• Learning to use detailed inquiry in psychoanalytic supervision was initially disorienting.
• This disorientation was linked to psychoanalysis's general opposition to questioning.
• The author found that mastering inquiry led to a more refined awareness of the analytic process.

Implications:

• Interpersonal analytic approaches using inquiry can be effectively integrated into psychoanalytic practice.
• Supervisors and trainees should be open to diverse therapeutic techniques.
• Developing skills in active questioning can enhance analytic awareness and effectiveness.