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September 29, 1970. THERAPEUTIC PLAYBACK, SELF-OBJECTIFICATION, AND THE ANALYTIC PROCESS. Max M. Stern, M.D.
Dr. Stern presented a new, experimental technique that involves the taping of analytic sessions for use by the patient after the session or in the following session. The goal is to help the patient, by the taping and relistening, in self-objectification. Clinical material from cases where the analytic process seemed hampered by difficulties the patients had in their capacities to observe themselves while in the analytic session was presented. In each case the difficulty was overcome when the patient was able to relisten to the session in a state of detachment; in a state of relative independence from the analyst, he was able to objectify his behavior and to more efficiently integrate his insights. In the majority of cases where this technique was used, and the analytic process was not interfered with, the author cited examples when it aided the process.
Dr. Stern compared the objectification in use of playback to the child's attempts at mastery through play as opposed to attempts at mastery while under direct impact of instinctual interchange with mother. He discussed the relationship between achieving insight and reality testing. He felt that self-objectification was the main road toward gaining insight. While useful in certain cases, Dr. Stern cautioned that this technique is contraindicated in some, for instance, paranoia, and may be misused in others, such as certain narcissistic states.