The Psychoanalytic Process: Theory, Clinical Observation, & Empirical Research - Hardcover

Weiss, Joseph; Sampson, Harold

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0898626706 ISBN 13: 9780898626704

Publisher: The Guilford Press, 1986

Synopsis

In this landmark volume-- already acclaimed as "certain to become a milestone in the history of psychoanalysis and ego psychology"-- Joseph Weiss' theory of the psychotherapeutic process is presented and supported by the systematic, quantitative research carried out by Sampson, Weiss, and the Mount Zion Psychotherapy Research Group. This remarkable work delineates clear-cut implications for doing therapy and for conceptualizing the therapeutic process.
The theory extends and develops concepts that Freud introduced in his later writings. It assumes that psychopathology stems from certain grim, unconscious, pathogenic beliefs that the patient acquires by inference from early traumatic experiences. The patient suffers unconsciously from these beliefs and the feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse that stem from them. He is, therefore, powerfully motivated unconsciously to change them. Moreover, the patient is able to exert considerable control over unconscious mental life and, indeed, to make and carry out unconscious plans. He works unconsciously throughout his treatment to change pathogenic beliefs, both by testing them in relation to the analyst and by using insights conveyed by the analyst's interpretations.
Since the theory is close to observation it enables the clinician to monitor the patient's progress--to understand, throughout the treatment, how the patient improves, or is set back, by the analyst's interventions. The quantitative, empirical research presented bears directly on this theory. It offers strong evidence that the patient exerts control over the emergence of previously repressed mental contents, bringing them to consciousness when he unconsciously decides he may safely experience them. Supporting the hypothesis that the patient tests pathogenic beliefs throughout treatment in an effort to disconfirm them, it shows that the patient is very likely to respond favorably to interpretations that he can use in his struggle to disconfirm his pathogenic beliefs--but unfavorably to interpretations he cannot use for this purpose.
A model of how rigorous psychoanalytic research can both sharpen and modify theoretical constructs and also lend support to a clinical approach, this distinguished volume will be valued by theoreticians, clinicians, researchers, and anyone interested in how the mind works. It provides a clear, accessible, and empirically testable approach to psychoanalytic practice.

About this title

About the Author:

Joseph Weiss is a training analyst at the San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California Medical Center in San Francisco, and codirector of the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group. He maintains a private practice in San Francisco.

Harold Sampson is codirector of the San Francisco Psychotherapy Research Group.

Review:

"This book is unique in presenting a coherent theory of the psychoanalytic process, followed by systematic testing of the implications of that theory....The theory of the psychoanalytic process presented in this book could have a profound effect upon the way that analysts and psychotherapists carry out psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic therapy. The authors' new theory of the psychoanalytic process, together with its implications for changes in psychoanalytic technique, are among the most important developments in psychoanalysis made in the past several decades. This volume is especially recommended for psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, and for individuals interested in research on psychotherapy and psychoanalysis." --Theodore L. Dorpat, in Dynamic Psychotherapy

"The authors have made a unique and valuable contribution to the empirical study of psychoanalytic process. Their methods and designs will become, I think, a benchmark against which further studies in this arena will come to be assessed." --Robert S. Wallerstein in the International Journal of Psycho-Analysis

"This important and heuristic volume will serve as a primer in psychoanalytic research for a long time to come." --Robert K. Heinssen and Thomas H. McGlashan in Psychiatry

"This book introduces us to what will likely be one of the most generative and productive programs of psychoanalytic research. It is a `must read' for anyone interested in the cutting edge of theory and research in psychotherapy." --Leslie S. Greenberg in Contemporary Psychology

"The work is loaded with excellent illuminating clinical examples, and its relevance for psychotherapy as well as analysis is clear....There is little question that the authors' research approach and methods represent an extraordinarily important step for psychoanalysis and psychotherapy." --Howard S. Sudak in American Journal of Psychiatry


"...introduces us to what will likely be one of the most productive programs of psychoanalytic research. A must read.", Contemporary Psychology Published On: 1986-10-09

"The authors have made a unique and valuable contribution to the empirical study of psychoanalytic process. Their methods and designs will become, I think, a benchmark against which further studies in this arena will come to be assessed.", International Journal of Psychoanalysis Published On: 1986-10-09

"This book introduces us to what will likely be one of the most generative and productive programs of psychoanalytic research. It is a must read' for anyone interested in the cutting edge of theory and research in psychotherapy.", Contemporary Psychology Published On: 1986-10-09

About this edition

• Publisher: The Guilford Press
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0898626706
• ISBN 13: 9780898626704
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 423