Psychoanalysis: Hopes, Realizations, Disappointments

Psychoanalysis is like riding a roller coaster. There are moments of high and low. Like other disciplines, our science has its limitations.1 Freud saw psychoanalysis as a theory of personality and as a treatment modality that would free many from the vicissitudes of neurotic conflict. His monograph “Analysis Terminable and Interminable”3 suggested that psychoanalysis was one of the “impossible professions.”9,^{pp. 269-287}

Psychoanalytic training encourages an idealization of our discipline. Needless to say, this optimistic attitude is essential to assimilate new knowledge. My article “Reflections on Being a Psychoanalyst”6 states:

Psychoanalysis requires a tremendous amount of energy to acquire a professional skill, and the psychoanalyst provides himself with additional skills in order to better treat his patients. However, it can be postulated that a primary motive for psychoanalytic training is related to developmental difficulties.2 Entering psychoanalytic training rationalizes the need for treatment and denies the concept of not being well. This in itself minimizes the effectiveness of the training analysis coupled with narcissistic alliances and paranoid trends noted in such experiences. Thus the personal analyses become treatment situations where the analyst can be the patient.6

Analysts have tried to discover a variety of motives for entering training. For many, psychoanalysis acts as a form of conflict resolution. At the same time, we also know that any and all life styles are related to developmental history. To categorically make psychoanalysts appear arrested in their development is an unfair criticism of our profession noted repeatedly in our literature. This presents a devalued image to our public.

Psychoanalysis frequently is attacked by other professionals and the public. Many analysts say that we are devalued because we represent people's unconscious. This is a partial explanation. Our narcissistic attitude of perfection