The Psychodynamic Treatment of Resistance with a Religious Patient from the Perspective of Intersubjectivity Theory

Abstract

The analysis of resistances with religious patients from the perspective of intersubjectivity theory offers insights into the resolution of therapeutic impasses by focusing attention on intersubjective conjunctions and disjunctions (Stolorow, Brandchaft, & Atwood, 1987). Understanding resistance as an aspect of the intersubjective field between therapist and patient, which is co-determined by both participants, greatly assists in the treatment of difficult patients. Resistance analysis in the case of a patient using religious references as resistance is presented from an intersubjective perspective on psychodynamic treatment.