Presenter: |
Martin S. Livingston, PhD |
Chair: |
Arthur C. Nielsen, MD |
Discussant: |
James E. Gorney, PhD |
Self Psychology Page | 20th Conference Program
Summary
This paper begins by highlighting the importance of valuing patients' budding tendrils of twinship demands as growth-promoting attempts to fulfill phase appropriately legitimate needs that have been thwarted in childhood. They represent a hope for a "new beginning." Using a story about barn burnings in an Amish community as an analogy, the paper illustrates the role of twinship experiences in the development of cohesion and vitality in both individuals and in groups. It then goes on to use the same story as an analogy of how these needs can take an archaic form. When they run out of control, especially in a group, the results may be a "Harvest of Fire." "Fundamental conflict" (Stolorow, Brandchaft, and Atwood, 1987) is suggested as a counterbalancing concept. An understanding of how these concepts complement each other raises new challenges as well as hopes.