CARTOGRAPHIC WRITING: Institutional analysis in the context of a psychosocial care center (CAPS) II

Abstract

This experience report is an institutional analysis based on the experiences of two interns at a Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS) II. Our intention is to raise some questions and reflections about Institutional Psychology and the institutionalities that permeate the service, the tension between the instituted and the instituting, focusing on the language that operates as an institution. The objectives are: to investigate the possible logic of subversion in such a scenario, still permeated by the asylum model; to examine how Institutional Psychology can assist in this subversion; to determine if language, as an institution, can free bodies from such a model. We used the cartography method, where the procedures involved observation, field diary recording, sharing in supervisions, and literature review. Five examples of language observed in the service are used: invalidation of suffering, infantilization, LGBTI+phobia, stereotypes against psychoactive substance users, and re-signification of the language of madness. A discussion is conducted on these five examples based on the results obtained, which point to the importance of Institutional Psychology and the need for training professionals and emancipating users as political subjects. We understand that, with the raised reflections and discussions, room can be opened for transformations. In the final considerations, it is concluded that language has the potential to contribute to reinforcing or liberating the abjection of certain bodies produced by the asylum model. This liberation occurs when there is analysis, redesign, and collaboration with CAPS users.