Reflections on the Psychoanalytic Process, with Special Emphasis on Child Analysis and Self-Analysis

Before I attempt a conceptualization of the therapeutic action that might be specific to child analysis, I would like to try to conceptualize the therapeutic action in psychoanalysis generally. I think that there are differences in the two models and that they are very much related to the differences in personality organization between children and neurotic adults.

I would also like to stress that my conceptual view of the therapeutic action is not primarily intended to replace other views. Some of the other views approach this issue from different frames of reference, and it is hoped that my view has the potential of being complementary.

Many years ago, Max Gitelson (Kramer, 1967) used to say: “The dynamics do not change; the aim of psychoanalysis is to modify economic factors” (p. 260). It came, in many variations, to be one of his better-known aphorisms, but was gradually encapsulated and did not substantially influence our thinking about the psychoanalytic process. Some years later I heard Hans Loewald (1970) say that he didn't think that analysis got rid of old problems or of old solutions but rather provided an opportunity for new solutions; that there was a reordering of priorities but that under the appropriate stress, the old problems and the old solutions