You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
Psychoanalysis is in an exciting period of development. Many basic issues of theory and technique are being reconsidered and debated. The developmental and structural points of view, borderline and narcissistic pathology, the centrality of the oedipal versus increasing focus on preoedipal fixation and regression, what psychoanalysis can and cannot accomplish therapeutically are only some of the topics stimulating controversy and exploration. The authors focus on some of these important issues.
This is a companion volume to Ego Psychology: Theory and Practice, in which the authors summarized the works of Hartmann, Kris, Loewenstein, Spitz, Mahler, Jacobson, Kernberg, and Kohut. In this volume, the Blancks present their theoretical understanding of and their technique with "patients whose problems are rooted in the vicissitudes of the early months and years of life before structure is attained and therefore before true neurosis is organized" (p. 1). They state that the research and discoveries of Margaret Mahler and her associates have propelled and organized their ongoing work. They consider that the vicissitudes of the practicing and rapprochement subphases of separation-individuation determine whether development will proceed toward normal or neurotic formations, or whether it will be so impaired that more morbid forms of pathology will ensue. According to the Blancks, if true neurosis develops, then psychoanalysis becomes the treatment of choice. If more early forms of pathology evolve, then psychoanalysis is contraindicated and what the authors call developmentally oriented psychotherapeutic techniques need to be employed. Following treatment by these "ego-building techniques" some of the patients may then continue with the same therapist into classical psychoanalysis. In essence, the Blancks state that if the ego has not developed past the rapprochement developmental phase then psychoanalysis is not indicated. Even though the authors state, "We do