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The couch as defense and as potential for enactment
The Psychoanalytic Quarterly
|January 1, 1995
Summary
The psychoanalytic couch, while common, isn't always beneficial. This study explores when couch use hinders therapy due to patient or analyst issues, impacting the therapeutic relationship.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychoanalysis
Background:
- The psychoanalytic couch is a widely used therapeutic tool.
- Its benefits are generally accepted in psychoanalytic practice.
Observation:
- This paper examines instances where the couch proves detrimental.
- Case vignettes illustrate patient and analyst-related interferences.
- The couch's isolating and distancing effects are explored.
Findings:
- The couch can alienate or attract patients due to its isolating potential.
- Analysts may utilize the couch's distancing properties in challenging face-to-face scenarios.
- Enactments of conflict and varying analytic stances on couch use are discussed.
Implications:
- Understanding couch limitations is crucial for effective psychoanalysis.
- Therapists must consider patient and analyst factors when deciding on couch use.
- Flexible approaches to the analytic setting enhance therapeutic outcomes.