An Operational Analysis of the Clinical Goals of Psychoanalytic Technique

Abstract

An operational description is presented of the clinical goals of analytic technique shared by various analytic orientations. This operational schema of their similarities is then used to organize their differences. In this schema, analytic schools differ from one another in three areas: the kind of unconscious content looked for in uncovering; aspects of the process considered subject to direct intervention; and the most effective stance and interventions with which to pursue their shared analytic goals. Organizing the differences between approaches in the context of shared analytic process goals makes it possible to clarify implicit clinical assumptions and to develop empirical rather than theoretical clinical discussions between analytic orientations. Understanding the intent or purpose of an intervention is useful in comparing approaches, exploring clinical controversies, clarifying implicit clinical assumptions, and understanding approaches more deeply in their own terms.