The relational turn in psychoanalysis: revolution or regression?

Abstract

In this paper, the authors discuss the Relational turn in psychoanalysis that has supposedly taken place in the course of the past 25 years. They spell out the foundational claims of the Relational group and its view that it has revolutionized psychoanalysis by bringing its relational potential to fruition. After clarifying these Relational views, the authors explain why they think that the change introduced is misguided and not as revolutionary as it appears. The authors argue that counter to its self-perception, the relational group in fact reverts to a pre-analytic conception of the person and to an authoritarian stance in relation to the patient. While presenting himself as liberal, unassuming and non-authoritarian in contrast to the traditional analyst, in his belief in his power to know what the patient is missing and to give it to him, the Relational psychoanalyst, in effect, adopts a benevolent paternalistic dogmatism. It is here that the regressive move that actually lies at the heart of what has been referred to by some as the relational revolution in psychoanalysis, is best exemplified.