Ideas and evolution of selfexperience in psychoanalysis

Abstract

As a rule, the components of psychotherapeutic methods (anthropology, theory of disease, diagnostics, theory of therapy and therapeutic praxeology as well as the competence required in training) are, in terms of logic, highly consistent. Taking psychoanalysis as an example, we investigate whether and in which way psychoanalytic training has to be adapted to new anthropological principles.

During the first 5 decades, in investigations into the development of psychoanalytical theory particular emphasis was laid on intrapsychic processes based upon the theory of instincts, determined by a specific conception of man. Consequently, the curative process was closely correlated with an insight into unconscious motives influencing perception, experience, and acting. In the subsequent 5 decades research into interpersonal events brought considerable progress. In particular, empirical infant research allowed to draw a more precise image of man - partly revising traditional psychoanalytic assumptions. Thus, the theory of the psychoanalytical process gains an additional dimension, especially as to the interpersonal situation. The elaboration of issues related to it is considered an essential part in the development of competence in psychoanalytic training.

Keywords:
Psychoanalysis, training analysis, psychoanalytic training, presymbolic experience.