Presenter: |
Elizabeth M. Carr, RNCS, MSN |
Chair: |
Andrew P. Morrison, MD |
Discussant: |
Amanda E. Kottler, MA |
Self Psychology Page | 20th Conference Program
The purpose of this paper is to address the development of a capacity for a full emotional life. The clinical challenges presented by patients with impaired affective functioning are described. A case example of a man with a history of failed treatment is included. Here, the struggle to understand and empathize with a patient who has "shut down" his emotions is described in depth. The treatment ultimately provided an opportunity for this man to regain his capacity to identify and share emotional reactions and also to integrate previously dissociated affective aspects of his childhood experience.
By integrating empirical findings with insights gained in the clinical setting, a way of communicating is described that, in and of itself, serves as a powerful curative tool. A review of research and theory including such topics as infant research, attachment studies, and affects has striking clinical relevance. The concept of resilience, which includes a self-reflective capacity and a self-soothing capacity, is applied to clinical work with patients whose affective functioning has become derailed through faulty, unresponsive or abusive parenting. In conclusion, an approach to therapeutic communication is described that encourages the development of a coherent narrative. This approach consistently focuses on a patient's affective experience and promotes self-righting and self-reflective capacities.