« That was then, this is now » : introduction aux psychothérapies psychodynamiques contemporaines

Abstract

AimThis paper is the translation and adaptation in French of a paper written by Jonathan Shedler, a clinical psychologist and American scholar known for his work on psychoanalytic psychotherapies. MethodShedler offers an introduction to psychoanalytic (or psychodynamic) psychotherapies, initially written for students and clinicians trained in other treatment approaches. A preliminary statement also describes the context of this writing. ResultsThe usual biases towards psychoanalysis, a description of what psychoanalysis is not, and some comments about terminology are offered in an introduction. Fundamental concepts of the psychoanalytic approach are then presented: unconscious mental life, psychological conflicts, the role of past experiences, transference, defense mechanisms, psychological causation, free association, and the importance of the clinician's personal psychotherapy. DiscussionThese notions, illustrated by several clinical examples, highlight the interest and particularities of the psychoanalytical approach in the field of psychotherapy. ConclusionThis article concludes with an epilogue in which Shedler describes his journey and his disillusionment with academic psychology in the United States due to its disconnect from the fundamental concerns of students and from clinical practice.