Marginal comments on the evolution of self psychology response to editors’ follow'up questions
(1998)
The author describes the psychoanalysis of a female patient who was diagnosed psychiatrically as a paranoid psychotic. The patient reported a history of chronic sexual abuse. The psychopathology and the phases of treatment are considered, with particular reference to the dynamics and content of psychotic ideation and their transference and countertransference implications. In particular, the author points to the qualitative distinctiveness of psychotic thought, which, if mistaken for nonpsychotic thought, can generate confusion leading to impasse. Differentiation of the two levels of mentation and interpretation of their symbolic meaning in the nonpsychotic transference is necessary for the psychotherapy of psychosis to proceed.
Anthony Bass's paper is viewed from the perspective of the object relations orientation of a member of the British Group of Independent Psychoanalysts. The perceived transference – countertransference >equality< in the interpersonal model is described in the light of the asymmetry of the analytic relationship implied in the object relations relation model used by many Independents. The structuring role of object relationships in analysis is touched on, and the relationship between exploration of the unconscious and internal construction processes is raised. In addition, Bion's model of >O,< which seems to me to reflect many of the inherent qualities of Singer's and Bass's model, is not referred to in Bass's paper. To what extent has Bion's thinking influenced the interpersonal model?