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When Heinz Kohut exposed the limitations of classical psychoanalysis in the detailed description of his work with Mr. Z, a boulder was dropped that set off an avalanche in the psychoanalytic establishment. Drive/conflict and structural theory could no longer account for the whole of a person's psychological adjustment or malady. As Kohut and his followers continued to develop a body of theory that came to be known as self psychology, other perspectives were evolving theoretically. With these developments, the fundamental tenets of psychoanalysis were thrown into question.
The number of “mainstream” analysts, commonly defined as those who consider drive/conflict theory and the Oedipus complex as central to analytic work is dwindling. The interpersonal and intersubjective perspectives on the clinical situation, along with insights into mental life lent by object relations and self psychology now draw a following in the psychoanalytic community that can no longer be dismissed as outside the mainstream. While the infallibility of classical technique is under attack, today's analysts are challenged by the environment that struggles to maintain a “politically correct” open mind to new ideas.
Merton Gill comments on the current situation by saying “Psychoanalysis is in disarray.” He sees the field not only being contaminated by the push for other forms of therapy, but also divided by its own differing theories. Differences in ideas have caused a splintering of such magnitude that no cohesive core remains.
This book addresses the need for congruence among diverse perspectives and the reestablishment of a cohesive analytic attitude. The title suggests that the author is primarily concerned with the heated debate between self psychology and defensive analysis. While the issues of this debate are the focus, the reader undoubtedly will find many more topics of interest. Dr. Josephs delictual approaches psychological theory in the clinical situation, playing brilliantly with parado