On the question of the internal frame.

This paper attempts to expand José Bleger's classic, metapsychological descriptions of the psychoanalytic frame to formulate and emphasize the role of the analyst's internal frame in establishing a psychoanalytic observational perspective in the analytic situation. The rationale for doing so follows from clinical necessity, especially when working with patients and psychic organizations that are 'beyond neurosis' and in non-traditional settings such as distance and telemetric analyses. Clinically speaking, in its most effective state, the analyst's internal frame can inform the possibility of an observational vertex aimed at the intuitive grasp of psychic reality rather than a sense-based, empirical observation of parameters denoted by the elements of a consensually validatable social reality.

To Feel in My Flesh: Receptivity, Resonance, Representation, and The Beta Screen.

When we are confronted with the challenge of trying to fully convey or describe something about human life and emotional experience, we find ourselves up against the very limitations of language. This problem becomes especially relevant as we attempt to expand psychoanalytic theory so as to enable us to "approach a mental life unmapped by the theories elaborated for the understanding of neurosis" (Bion1962, p. 37). This paper seeks to aid in that expansion by revisiting Bion's early writings about the beta screen, extending his conclusions about communication from the psychotic part of the mind to the broad area of the unrepresented (the unstructured unconscious), suggesting that there is often a potentially communicative meaning, a mute plea for intersubjective regulatory assistance (alpha function), embedded in the unconscious evocation of emotions in the object and that this cry for help may be encrypted in even the most seemingly destructive, resistant and oppositional patients.

On looking into The Ego and the Id 100 years after its publication.

Freud's publication of The Ego and the Id sparked a diverging set of psychoanalytic models - ego psychology, structural conflict theory, Kleinianism, object relations theories, Lacanianism, etc. - each of which attempted to deal with the clinical limitations of his first topography in regard to unconscious guilt, negative therapeutic reactions and primitive character organizations. This paper attempts to look back on these developments from the perspective of contemporary, post-Freudian psychoanalytic theories.

A Metapsychology of the Unrepresented.

The terms unrepresented and unrepresented states are increasingly being referred to in psychoanalytic discourse, without our having established a generally agreed upon consensus about their definition, use or meaning. While these particular designations were never used by Freud, a careful reading of his work reveals them to be qualities that characterize the initial state of both the drive and perception. This paper attempts to place these terms in a clinically useful, metapsychological perspective by reviewing their conceptual origin in Freud and examining their elaboration and clinical relevance in the work of Bion, Winnicott, and Green. These concepts should prove especially useful for understanding and addressing problems presented by non-neurotic patients and psychic organizations and will help expand the reach and efficacy of psychoanalytic understanding and technique to increasing numbers of contemporary patients.

Trauma, process and representation.

The concept of Trauma in psychoanalysis has suffered from overuse and inconsistent use. A review of Freud's writings beginning with the Project indicates that from the perspective of the impact upon psychic processes, Freud held a more consistent view of the concept that, if recognized, can help avoid the often fruitless etiological debates of internal vs. external cause, intrinsic (drive) vs. extrinsic (reality) factors, etc. What is more helpful from a clinical perspective, is to view the various challenges that a given set of potentially trauma-inducing circumstances might pose for an individual, consider each individual's highly subjective mode of experiencing and responding to those challenges and take into account the supports offered in any instance by the specific familial, social or cultural surround. Each set of experiences that will be qualified as 'trauma' that any of us undergoes will to some extent be understood and integrated into our particular subjectivities according to our unique, subjective organizations of self, understandings of and position in the world.

FURTHER THOUGHTS ON TRAUMA, PROCESS AND REPRESENTATION.

Beginning with Freud, throughout his work and in most if not all psychoanalytic formulations, the concept of trauma has been associated with the disruptive effects of excess excitation on psychic regulatory processes and psychic development. Foremost among these are the capacities for emotional containment and representation. The restoration, strengthening or acquisition for the first time of these capacities can take place intersubjectively in a successful analytic therapy and lies at the heart of the therapeutic action.

Reflections on Therapeutic Action and the Origins of Psychic Life.

Psychoanalysis has seen a shift in emphasis regarding therapeutic action and technique. A predominant focus on the uncovering or reintegrating of repressed, disguised, or split-off contents has moved to include the intersubjective creation, development, and strengthening of psychic processes and capabilities. The analyst's role in this process has been analogized to that of the primary maternal object in the origins of psychic life. This metaphor illuminates the movement from unrepresented to represented psychic states in treatment, as seen in a clinical example from the analysis of a particularly withdrawn young adult.

The compulsion to repeat: An introduction.

The Repetition Compulsion has been the source of much controversy and perplexity. From it's clinical introduction in 1914 in Remembering, Repeating and Working Through to it's metapsychological elaboration in 1920 in Beyond the Pleasure Principle, it has occupied a central position in Freud's thinking. Especially in regard to his later work, it can be seen to be intrinsic to his final dual instinct theory, his theories of the Death Instinct, trauma, memory, binding and action and to the clinical challenges and theoretical changes that led to the formulation of his second topography. This paper will trace the evolution of the concept in Freud and in certain post-Freudian authors, especially Edward Bibring, Winnicott and Scarfone.

Trauma, proceso y representación / Traumatisme, processus et représentation / Trauma, process and representation

El autor reflexiona desde una perspectiva contemporánea sobre el concepto de trauma y su relación con los procesos de representación. Partiendo de una dicotomía en la que todo se centraría en el conflicto intrapsíquico o bien al contrario solamente en las vivencias externas que interfieren en el desarrollo, se busca una posición sintética en que los aspectos traumáticos puedan irse integrando. Teniendo en cuenta lo traumático como algo que no solo depende de la intensidad del trauma, sino también de la capacidad de los objetos circundantes para ayudar a tramitarlo, se reflexiona sobre la actitud técnica más propicia en el analista: se da una especial importancia a su implicación en las construcciones, así como la trascendencia de poderse involucrar en la relación con los pacientes. Se trae el caso de un paciente con la historia de unos padres divorciados poco implicados en su crianza, y se relata cómo el involucrarse el analista en sus planes de veraneo supone un poderlo despertar de un cierto letargo. (AU)

The author articulates a contemporary perspective on the concept of trauma and its relationship to the processes of representation. Shifting from a dichotomy where the entire focus is on intrapsychic conflict, versus a focus only on the external experiences that interfere with development, a synthetic position, more integrative of traumatic aspects, is sought. Considering the traumatic as something that not only depends upon the intensity of the trauma, but also upon the capacity of the surrounding objects in helping to process it, the author reflects upon the most conducive technical attitude, according particular importance to the analyst’s involvement in constructions, as well as the vital importance of the ability to engage in their relationship with patients. Case material is presented, detailing a patient with divorced parents who had little involvement in his upbringing, and how the analyst becoming involved in his summer plans brought about a certain awakening from lethargy within him. (AU)

Partant d’une perspective contemporaine, l’auteur réfléchit sur le concept de traumatisme et sa relation avec les processus de représentation. A partir d’une dichotomie où tout se centrerait sur le conflit intrapsychique ou bien au contraire seulement sur les vécus externes qui interfèrent dans le développement, il cherche une position synthétique dans laquelle les aspects traumatiques peuvent peu à peu s’intégrer. Considérant ce qui est traumatique comme quelque chose qui ne dépend pas seulement de l’intensité du traumatisme mais également de la capacité des objets environnants pour aider à le traiter, il réfléchit sur l’attitude technique plus propice chez l’analyste: il attribue une importance spéciale à son implication dans les constructions, ainsi qu’à la transcendance de pouvoir s’engager dans la relation avec les patients. Il apporte le cas d’un patient avec une histoire de parents divorcés peu impliqués dans son éducation, et il raconte comment l’implication de l’analyste dans ses projets d’été suppose pouvoir le réveiller d’une certaine léthargie. (AU)

La psicosomática y los estados no representados / Psychosomatic illness and unrepresented states

Para muchos analistas, la aplicación del pensamiento psicoanalítico a la comprensión y tratamiento de las condiciones somáticas ha sido problemática y perturbadora. Para tales condiciones, los supuestos clínicos del modelo arqueológico del psicoanálisis que funcionan tan bien para las neurosis no parecen suficientes. Este artículo intentará revisar y reubicar el problema de la psicosomática desde la perspectiva de los estados no representados y la transformación del modelo del psicoanálisis discutiendo las complejidades de la etiología, las perspectivas contemporáneas sobre la construcción, la elaboración de mitos y la reorganización apres-coup [Nachträglichkeit] y concluirá con un breve ejemplo clínico (AU)

For many American analysts, the application of psychoanalytic thinking to the understanding and treatment of somatic conditions has been problematic and disappointing. For these conditions, the clinical assumptions of the archeological model of psychoanalysis that work so well for neurosis do not seem to suffice. This paper will attempt to review and restate the problem of psychosomatics from the perspective of unrepresented states and the transformational model of psychoanalysis, discussing the complexities of aetiology, contemporary views of construction, myth making and après coup [Nachträglichkeit] and will conclude with a brief clinical example (AU)

PSYCHOANALYSIS AND THE PROBLEM OF TRUTH.

After briefly reviewing Freud's search for "the truth" in psychoanalytic treatments, the author discusses Bion's views on truth and its prominence in his thinking. The author then addresses various definitions of truth, drawing particularly on recent comments by Ogden (2015). Considerations of the relationship between truth and philosophy, and of that between truth and the arts, follow; the author then returns to a focus on psychoanalytic truth as emergent. Our view of the latter has been strongly influenced, he notes, by changing views of therapeutic action and the goals of psychoanalysis.

A lógica do campo / The logic of the field

O campo é um conceito que, com poucas exceções, recém chegou à psicanálise americana, sobretudo através da aplicação do trabalho de Bion, Winnicott e dos Baranger feita por Antonino Ferro (2002, 2005, 2006). A sua natureza é tal que os seus conteúdos e forma não podem ser completamente especificados. São inerentemente emergentes. Neste artigo, tentarei articular o que entendo ser o significado e o potencial valor do campo no encontro clínico, explorando a epistemologia e o estatuto de verdade do conceito de campo, bem como examinando a sua potencial função GPS em relação ao processo analítico(AU)

The field is a concept that, with a few exceptions, is newly arrived in American psychoanalysis, mostly by way of Antonino Ferro's (2002, 2005, 2006) application of the work of Bion, Winnicott and the Barangers. Its nature is such that its contents and form cannot be fully specifiable. They are inherently emergent. In this essay, I will attempt to articulate my sense of its meaning and potential value in the clinical encounter, exploring the epistemology and truth status of the field concept and examining its potential GPS function in relation to the analytic process(AU)

El campo es un concepto que, salvo raras excepciones, recién llegó al psicoanálisis norteamericano por medio, sobre todo, de la aplicación del trabajo de Bion, Winnicott y de los Baranger por parte de Antonino Ferro (2002, 2005, 2006). Es de tal naturaleza que sus contenidos y forma no pueden ser completamente especificados. Son inherentemente emergentes. En este artículo, intentaré articular lo que entiendo como el significado y el potencial valor del campo en el encuentro clínico, explorando la epistemología y el estatuto de verdad del concepto de campo, así como examinando su potencial función GPS con relación al proceso analítico(AU)

Contatos pós-analíticos nos institutos e seus limites / Boundaries and postanalytic contacts in institutes / Contactos post-analíticos en los institutos y sus límites

Este artigo apresenta o trabalho realizado pelo Comitê de Educação Psicanalítica - COPE, trazendo foco específico nos contatos pós-analíticos entre pacientes e analistas após o término da análise didática. Através de exemplos clínicos evocativos e ilustrativos da complexidade presente nas relações e encontros pós-analíticos, são identificados alguns dilemas vivenciados entre ex-analistas e ex-analisandos quando se encontram como colegas depois da finalização da análise didática. Esses dilemas, como é argumentado, trazem implicações para a condução e a efetividade da análise didática, assim como no desenvolvimento das culturas institucionais e as relações de poder internas dos institutos...

The work of a COPE study group on boundaries is presented, with particular focus on post-termination contact after the training analysis. Through the use of clinical examples evocative and illustrative of the complexity of postanalytic contacts and relationships in the training analysis situation, a number of dilemmas are identified that former analysts and patients face when they meet as colleagues after the training analysis is over. These dilemmas, it is argued, have implications for the conduct and effectiveness of the training analysis and for the institutional cultures and power relations that evolve within institutes...

Este artículo presenta el trabajo desarrollado por el Comité de Educación Psicoanalítica - COPE, con foco en los contactos post-analíticos entre pacientes y analistas una vez terminado el análisis de formación. A través de ejemplos clínicos evocativos e ilustrativos de la complejidad presente en las relaciones y encuentros post-analíticos, se identifican algunos dilemas vivenciados por los ex analistas y ex analizandos al encontrarse como colegas después de terminado el análisis didáctico. Se argumenta que estos dilemas tienen implicaciones en la conducción y efectividad del análisis didáctico, así como en el desarrollo de las culturas institucionales y las relaciones de poder dentro de los institutos...

Contatos pós-analíticos nos institutos e seus limites / Boundaries and postanalytic contacts in institutes / Contactos post-analíticos en los institutos y sus límites

Este artigo apresenta o trabalho realizado pelo Comitê de Educação Psicanalítica - COPE, trazendo foco específico nos contatos pós-analíticos entre pacientes e analistas após o término da análise didática. Através de exemplos clínicos evocativos e ilustrativos da complexidade presente nas relações e encontros pós-analíticos, são identificados alguns dilemas vivenciados entre ex-analistas e ex-analisandos quando se encontram como colegas depois da finalização da análise didática. Esses dilemas, como é argumentado, trazem implicações para a condução e a efetividade da análise didática, assim como no desenvolvimento das culturas institucionais e as relações de poder internas dos institutos.(AU)

The work of a COPE study group on boundaries is presented, with particular focus on post-termination contact after the training analysis. Through the use of clinical examples evocative and illustrative of the complexity of postanalytic contacts and relationships in the training analysis situation, a number of dilemmas are identified that former analysts and patients face when they meet as colleagues after the training analysis is over. These dilemmas, it is argued, have implications for the conduct and effectiveness of the training analysis and for the institutional cultures and power relations that evolve within institutes.(AU)

Este artículo presenta el trabajo desarrollado por el Comité de Educación Psicoanalítica - COPE, con foco en los contactos post-analíticos entre pacientes y analistas una vez terminado el análisis de formación. A través de ejemplos clínicos evocativos e ilustrativos de la complejidad presente en las relaciones y encuentros post-analíticos, se identifican algunos dilemas vivenciados por los ex analistas y ex analizandos al encontrarse como colegas después de terminado el análisis didáctico. Se argumenta que estos dilemas tienen implicaciones en la conducción y efectividad del análisis didáctico, así como en el desarrollo de las culturas institucionales y las relaciones de poder dentro de los institutos.(AU)