P.L. Wachtel: Relational Theory and the Practice of Psychotherapy

Abstract

Paul Wachtel is well known for his earlier work integrating behavioral interventions into a psychoanalytic perspective. In this book, he takes on relational psychoanalytic theory. He does so, however, from his own unique perspective. The perspective, which he calls a ‘‘cyclical psychodynamic’’ perspective, emphasizes the vicious circles by which one’s experience of self in relationships becomes established and perpetuated. He also describes the provision in psychotherapy of mutative relationship experiences. Always the integrator, Wachtel demonstrates a remarkably comprehensive, nuanced understanding not only of psychoanalytic theories, but also of behavioral, family systems and narrative theories; he integrates all of these into his approach. The perspective exemplifies Wachtel’s transition from a psychoanalyst trained in the classical drive and ego tradition to an embrace of current relational trends in psychoanalytic theory and training. Wachtel begins with a critique of the classical model. Following in the tradition of relational theorists including Mitchell, Bromberg and Aron, he addresses problems in one-person psychology, critiques which have persisted against psychoanalytic theory and practice since Freud. He points out that Freud saw development as driven by internal forces and impacted by the environment, but subsequent theorists evolved a different understanding of the interaction of ‘‘inner’ and ‘‘outer’’ influences. Relational theorists regard development as evolving from reciprocally influenced relationships. Freud used the archeology metaphor to describe the psychoanalyst as an objective observer uncovering layers of defenses to reveal the patient’s conflicts. Increasingly, contemporary theorists have embraced a two-person, contextual practice theory, which recognizes that the psychotherapist’s participation necessarily involves reciprocally influencing or co-constructed experience and the meaning given to that experience. Wachtel points out that Freud’s concern with the scientific community’s acceptance of his theories led him to emphasize objectivity and eschew suggestion in his formulation of a treatment model. Wachtel asserts that certain principles of classical technique are designed to promote objectivity, but sometimes have the unintended effect of interfering with the provision of a more collaborative and accepting relationship experience. Among these are techniques such as avoiding selfdisclosure and regarding the patient’s statements with suspicion as to their ‘‘real’’ meaning. Of particular interest to clinicians are Wachtel’s observations concerning what he playfully terms ‘‘one-and-aquarter person theories and one-and-three-quarter person theories’’ (Wachtel 2008, p. 11). These represent a partial integration of relational theory and its practice implications. For example, Wachtel points out that some see relational perspectives as relevant to the psychotherapy relationship and to infant development, but not later development. He notes also that some embrace relational theory, but continue to practice in ways that are more consistent with a classical, one-person perspective. Wachtel points out that this is due in part to the persistence of classical influences in the culture of the psychoanalytic community. One of the factors that sets Wachtel’s perspective apart from other relational perspectives is his elaboration of the ‘‘cyclical psychodynamic approach’’ (Wachtel, p. 103). He describes the role of ‘‘vicious circles’’ (Wachtel, p. 221) in which the patient’s relationship experiences lead her to act J. C. Williams (&) School of Social Work, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA e-mail: jaycwilliams@nc.rr.com