Identification

Abstract

In this chapter, Morgenthaler returns to one of the case examples introduced in Chapter 4 to demonstrate that an application of the technical concept of sequentiality in the course of associations alone is sometimes insufficient to gain central interpretive insights into the analytic situation. As a particularly apt concept to complement sequentiality, Morgenthaler suggests identification, the psychological process through which a person takes on an aspect of another person and thereby changes. Identification of the analysand with the analyst, Morgenthaler contends, serves to deepen the analytic process and is a result of the mutually seductive tendency that neither the analyst nor the analysand can resist in the development of an analytic relationship. Through identification, the analysand often unconsciously presents his observations, wishes, or fears regarding his analyst as traits of his own person. If the analyst recognizes this instance and interprets it to his partner, he substantially furthers the analytic process. Having illustrated the usefulness of a simultaneous application of the two technical concepts sequentiality and identification on his case example, the chapter stresses that only the instruments of technique put the analyst in a position to interpret the analysand’s messages correctly. Empathy is not enough.