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Treatment preparatory to psychoanalysis
Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Preparatory psychotherapy before psychoanalysis with the same analyst is feasible and can effectively address patient resistances. This approach, while debated, shows compatibility with classical psychoanalytic traditions and techniques.
Area of Science:
- Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychodynamic Psychiatry
Background:
- Adult patients often need preparatory treatment before psychoanalysis.
- Concerns exist that preparatory psychotherapy with the same analyst may alter subsequent analysis.
- Historical views and theoretical disagreements have limited literature on this topic.
Observation:
- A case study examines preparatory treatment progressing to psychoanalysis with the same analyst.
- The preparatory phase addressed specific resistances to the meaning and process of analysis.
- The patient perceived psychotherapy as more controllable than psychoanalysis for certain impulses.
Findings:
- Preparatory treatment was compatible with psychoanalysis using the same analyst.
- Observed effects on the analytic process were apparent but not limiting.
- The transition did not impede the analytic transference neurosis or technique.
Implications:
- Extending analytic technique through preparatory psychotherapy is viable.
- Understanding patient avoidance of analysis is crucial.
- This approach offers potential advantages in managing resistances and facilitating deeper analytic work.