The Functions and Clinical Action of 'Psychoanalytic Confession'

Benjamin Goldenhersh

The concept of 'confession' has been largely overlooked in psychoanalytic literature, both as a theoretical construct and as a therapeutic practice. This study explores the significant implications of confession within the psychoanalytic framework. In this context, confession involves one party in the therapeutic dyad acknowledging, revealing, and declaring a hidden truth to the other through a performative speech act, which holds transformative potential.

     The study examines three distinct confessional actions in psychodynamic therapy, based on three major psychoanalytic traditions: drive theory, object relations theory, and relational psychoanalysis. Through this examination, the article demonstrates how confession serves multiple clinical functions, including catharsis, punishment, identity formation, and the establishment of a therapeutic covenant.

     The conceptualization of psychoanalytic confession has two key implications. First, it reconceptualizes psychoanalysis as a praxis—a method of action—rather than solely a method of interpretation. Second, it raises important ethical questions concerning the role and responsibility of the therapist in psychodynamic therapy. By analyzing confession through these different psychoanalytic lenses, the article provides a comprehensive understanding of this complex phenomenon. It explores how confession can serve as a means of purging overwhelming content, shaping subjectivity, and fostering a shared ethical space between therapist and patient. This study thus contributes to a deeper understanding of the transformative power and ethical considerations surrounding psychoanalytic confession.

Keywords: Confession, Object-relations, Relational-psychoanalysis, Therapeutic praxis (action), Ethics

Read more...

Hovering Over the Abyss The A-Verbal and Unconceived Presence in the Cycle of Life and in the Treatment of Trauma

Hillel Weiss and Nissim Semadeja

In this essay we seek to discuss an area of special quality in the human psyche, which we call the 'a-verbal' dimension – and suggest that this dimension is infrastructural and essential for the functioning, and indeed the very existence, of the psyche. Despite its great importance, its evasiveness creates a difficulty to conceive, deliberate and appreciate in the clinical work.

     The term 'a-verbal' is distinct from the term 'non-verbal', since the latter describes a psychic dimension that was once verbal, and due to trauma became non-verbal. Whereas the 'a-verbal' is a dimension that exists in itself – not as a contrast to language and words. As such it is closely related to the highest transformational realm; Hence its importance also in the healing processes of psychotherapy.

     Our interest in the 'a-verbal' dimension is the result of many years of clinical work with patients who are victims of trauma and sexual assault. The 'a-verbal' qualities are often alluded in case presentations of these patients.

     We will then review representations of this dimension in psychoanalytic and philosophical writing, as well as in the arts. Further we will propose an understanding of psychosomatic symptoms, such as self-cuts or addiction, as physical and regressive representation of pain that cannot be expressed in words. We will then turn to the vitality of the therapist's presence in this dimension devoid of words or concepts, an analytic stance we call 'Hovering Over the Abyss', and will present clinical examples of this analytic presence.

Keywords: Trauma, Psychosomatic, Non-verbal, Interpretation, Self-harm

Read more...

From Impasse to Transformation: Enabling Development through Non-Interpretive Interventions from Post-Bionian Field Theory

Rany Levy

This article seeks to address three central themes. Firstly, it deals with the therapeutic impasse and how it is approached in post-Bionian field theory, developed by Dr. Ferro and his colleagues. Secondly, it discusses the use of non-interpretive interventions that both address the impasse and allow for progress and breakthrough. Lastly, it introduces several concepts from this therapeutic technique: the field, characters in the field, transformation in play, the therapist as a character, and the 'we-character'. These aspects will be illustrated through descriptions of a block in the therapeutic work, which occurred and solved over a relatively short period.

Keywords: Post-Bionian field theory, therapeutic impasse, non-interpretive interventions

Read more...

Walls Falling Down and Houses Built on Sand: House Images Post-October 7th

Basmat Klein

This article explores the transformation of the concept of 'home' in the aftermath of the events of October seventh. It examines both the physical and the mental dimensions of home, investigating how listening to these images can serve as a therapeutic tool.

     The events of October seventh can be seen as a traumatic disruption of our fundamental sense of security, particularly in relation to our homes. The once comforting haven has, in an instant, transformed into a site of terror and nightmare.

     The aim of this article is to analyze the imagery of houses and homes, and their evolution during this tumultuous period. This analysis takes a dual approach: first, treating the house as a mental construct akin to dreams, which have become more vivid for many individuals during this time, thus highlighting the heightened significance of house imagery in clinical settings. Secondly, it considers the physical house and proposes methods for understanding its impact on mental experiences. Drawing on Gaston Bachelard's concept of the house as a mental space of refuge and belonging, as well as insights from psychoanalytic and architectural theory, this article suggests using house imagery to create a mental sanctuary for contemplation and dreaming.

     Clinical examples will be presented to illustrate these concepts. 

Keywords: Domestic space, Psychoanalysis, Architecture, Trauma, War and terror

Read more...