Intersubjectivity and the concept of the physically unconscious – a phenomenological perspective

Abstract

Illness or accidents often cause the affected to suffer from an existential crisis, which requires psychotherapeutic treatment, on top of the medical care they receive. For this type of patient, a model has been developed, in which the physician cooperates with the psychotherapist. Furthermore, this model intends to include patient, relatives and all the professionals involved (care as well as therapy personnel) into the planning of the treatment process. It should be noted that we consider the treatment team as the «narrative team». The relationship between organism and environment stands at the centre of the therapy plan as well as the work-team. The necessity to develop a concept of physical unconsciousness is evident from past treatment experiences, e. g. intensive care patients, as well as other existential borderline situations, caused by illness or accidents. The quality of the intersubjectivity is essential when planning a therapeutic and supportive environment.