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Psychoanalysis and psychotherapy: an historical perspective.

R S Wallerstein¹

¹Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, San Francisco, CA 94143.

The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis

|January 1, 1989

Summary

This review outlines the three historical phases of dynamic psychotherapy, tracing its evolution from psychoanalysis to its current fragmented state. It highlights key developments and shifts in therapeutic approaches over time.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Psychiatry
Psychotherapy

Background:

Psychoanalytic theory forms the basis of dynamic psychotherapy.
Dynamic psychotherapy is applied to patients unsuitable for classical psychoanalysis.
The history of dynamic psychotherapy is divided into three distinct phases.

Observation:

The first phase (prehistory) covers Freud's development of psychoanalysis and its distinction from suggestive therapies.
The second phase (psychoanalytic consensus, 1940s-1970s) saw the development of distinct expressive and supportive psychotherapies.
The third phase (fragmented consensus, late 1970s-present) is characterized by diverging perspectives among key figures.

Findings:

Dynamic psychotherapy evolved significantly from its psychoanalytic roots.
A period of consensus in the mid-20th century gave way to fragmentation.
Key figures from the consensus period later developed divergent views.

Implications:

Understanding the historical trajectory of dynamic psychotherapy is crucial for contemporary practice.
The evolution reflects changes in theoretical understanding and therapeutic application.
The current fragmented consensus necessitates a nuanced approach to integrating different psychotherapeutic models.