4. The Meanings of Touch in Psychoanalysis:
A Time for Reassessment
Presenter: |
James L. Fosshage, PhD |
Chair: |
Kati Breckenridge, PhD, PsyD |
Self Psychology Page | 21th Conference
Program
Psychoanalysis traditionally has placed an almost total interdiction on physical touch between patient and analyst within the analytic arena. Yet, touch, based on our largest sensory organ, the skin, provides a fundamental and elaborate form of communication. So important is tactile stimulation for development and maintenance of physiological and psychological regulation that recent research demonstrates that physiological and psychological regulations of persons of all ages are "righted" through physical holding and touch.
The emergence of psychoanalytic alternatives to classical theory, including more detailed and comprehensive motivational models, the shift from an intrapsychic to relational model, and a vast array of empirical studies on the neurobiological functions and psychological meanings of physical touch is enabling us to readdress the meanings and uses of touch within psychoanalysis.
The purpose of this paper is: first, to review and assess the classical theoretical basis for the interdiction on touch in psychoanalysis; second, to provide a brief overview of the research on physical touch; third, to review briefly relevant psychotherapy research and clinical reports of touch in the psychoanalytic literature; fourth, to readdress Casement's case study in light of the above; and fifth, to lay down some guidelines for the use of touch in the analytic setting.