9. The Idealized Relationship in the Therapeutic Process as a Curative Emotional Experience
Presenter:
Yossi Tamir, MA
Chair:
Jill R. Gardner, PhD
Self Psychology Page | 21th Conference Program
Psychoanalysis, as a clinical science, has always accorded a special emphasis to the exploration of the curative factors. For a long time, insight and interpretation were recognized as the central mutative agent. Kohut and self-psychology persisted in this exploration which brought about many well-known new ideas and innovations, among them the reconsideration of idealization as a narcissistic and relational phenomenon. Closely examination of the various manifestations of the idealized relationship in the therapeutic encounter led to the recognition of its clinical importance as a specific transference pattern.
The recommended technical handling of the idealizing transference was specified by a "passive acceptance" with the aim of letting it unfold without any disruptions from the analyst’s side. In my opinion, this recommendation reflects a shrinking away from the feelings of narcissistic grandiosity which the idealized position tend to evoke in the analyst. Overcoming this "general countertransference" leads to the use of a more active, empathic and interpretive approach towards the idealization - one of "active acceptance".
Two clinical examples are presented to illustrate this clinical approach and to demonstrate how the idealized relationship turn out to be an emotional curative experience.