Somatopsychic Unconscious Processes and Their Involvement in Chronic Relational Trauma

Abstract

In this paper the author introduces the concept of chronic relational trauma as a pervasive relational source of personal suffering intrinsic to pathological development in children and in family dysfunctional dynamics. Unconscious processes such as various forms of transference are the vehicle by which distortions, prejudices and abuses of power in dependency relationships are perpetrated and perpetuated. This paper details unconscious mechanisms such as projective identification, the somatopsychic dynamics of these mechanisms, and provides clinical examples of these dynamics at work. Dr. Tuccillo opens the analysis of transference to reveal it as a source of a legacy of transgenerational abuse; projective identification, a complex form of transference, is understood as a relational power mechanism that can distort and obstruct healthy growth of self-esteem, self-authenticity and self-value. Bioenergetic therapists can learn to recognize the operation of the distorting, pathological effects on the person, and his or her unconscious ability to continue a legacy of abuse of self and others through both analysis of transference dynamics somatically as well as psychologically. The author adds the passion born of more than thirty years of practice as a Bioenergetic therapist in appealing for a general raising of consciousness about chronic relational trauma and its effects. Awareness of these unconscious mechanisms experienced somatically and intrapsychically in the client and the therapist is key in working with and ameliorating core destructive issues in the personality, and in all spheres of human relating.