@article{Martens, author = {Martens, Willem H. J.}, title = {Healing dynamics of psychosis}, series = {International Forum of Psychoanalysis, Vol. 21 (No. 2, 2012), pp. 068-081.}, journal = {International Forum of Psychoanalysis, Vol. 21 (No. 2, 2012), pp. 068-081.}, abstract = {The healing dynamics of psychosis are examined in this article. It is concluded that psychosis might have the following positive and compensating functions: a satisfaction of urgent needs and a realization of urgent goal settings that previously appeared unattainable; the avoidance of and coping with unbearable reality, harmful influences and stress, and/or trauma; the upgrading of social-emotional and cognitive capacities/awareness and effectiveness; the enhancement of self-realization and authenticity; and intrapsychic maturation. The therapeutic implications of these findings are also discussed; in addition, an outline for integrative theory of constructive functions in psychosis and a clinical vignette are presented.}, language = {en} }