Psychodynamic Framework Research Articles

The Role of Improvised Music in Psychodynamic Music Therapy with Adults

This is an exciting time to be a music therapist. The field is rapidly advancing. There are many music therapists now working as primary therapists and in private practice. In light of this development, there is a growing need for a theory that unites the concepts of depth psychology with the practice of music therapy. This article defines and describes a theory of psychodynamic music therapy that emphasizes the role of improvised music. Three ways in which improvised music functions within a psychodynamic framework are illustrated: as pure experience in the here and now; as a mediator between conscious an unconscious contents; and as a symbolic language. Special attention is given to Jung's theory of complexes as it relates to psychodynamic music therapy. Case examples from private practice with adults are included.

Brief Strategic Psychotherapy Consultation: The Mental Research Institute Model

This paper describes and illustrates the brief, strategic consultative process of the Mental Research Institute (MRI). A verbatim transcript of an actual consultation is provided to demonstrate the isomorphism between strategic clinical practice and consultation and the integration of strategic intervention within a psychodynamic framework. The inherent challenges of providing MRI consultation to therapists who subscribe to different therapeutic models is evidenced and discussed in this paper.

Patients' representations of psychotherapy: a new focus for psychodynamic research.

This article presents a psychodynamic framework and research methods for investigating the significance of patients' internal representations of therapy-with-their-therapists. In this article, 2 instruments developed for this purpose--the Therapist Representation Inventory and the Intersession Experience Questionnaire--are introduced, and their psychometric characteristics are described. Also, findings from a series of studies conducted with these instruments are summarized. Finally, the types of questions these instruments appear to be well suited to are proposed for addressing in future research.

Sexoanalysis: A new insight-oriented treatment approach for sexual disorders

Sexoanalysis is an innovative therapeutic approach for the treatment of complex sexual disorders. This approach integrates current knowledge on sexual/erotic development pathology within a psychodynamic framework to help patients gain insight on the secondary gains, anxieties, and intrapsychic issues that are at the roots of their sexual problem. The treatment process essentially focuses on the analysis of sexual fantasies and the modification of maladaptive erotic imagery. The present authors present a brief overview of sexoanalytic theory and describe how sexoanalysis can resolve sexual disorders, improve sexual/erotic functioning, and promote sexual maturity. A clinical illustration is provided to help further clarify the sexoanalytic treatment process and demonstrate the use and utility of this promising sexotherapeutic approach.

THE CULTURAL CONTEXT OF ABORIGINAL SUICIDE: MYTHS, MEANINGS, AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Robinson's article is interesting, thought-provoking, and seemingly well-informed with respect to cultural context. It is also very problematic with respect to assumptions, argument, and conclusions. This response attempts to outline a few of these problems. It has been written because the question of Aboriginal suicide is a profoundly important one, not only because of the salience and tragic character of the reported Aboriginal suicide deaths in custody, but because the phenomenon constitutes a genuine and substantial social problem for many Aboriginal communities in Australia, and challenges existing social science understanding of the indigenous culture. An initial and general problem with the article has to do with the fact that there is no explicit casting of the argument in terms of a psychoanalytic or psychodynamic framework, although clearly this is what has been done. There are many assumptions which go along with such a perspective, which may be particularly unwarranted in an other-culture context, yet the reader is neither advised that this is happening, nor is any justification or contextual information given. The author begins the article by virtually equating suicide with 'destructive rage and self-destructive withdrawal' (line 4 of Abstract), and in what follows essentially interprets the myth and ethnographic-present events without qualification, argument, or substantive evidence. There is no opportunity for critically thinking about this interpretation, heavily premised on a psychoanalytic view of the world and Tiwi culture, nor are any alternative perspectives offered. The phenomena of mourning, self-injury, and indigenous suicide have been addressed from many other perspectives; yet there is no reference to alternative views, or to recent and relevant perspectives on Native American and Micronesian suicide (e.g., Harras 1987; Hezel et al. 1985; Levy and Kunitz 1987; May 1987). The basic thesis of the article, outlined in the third paragraph, is worth particular consideration.

Update on psychodynamic thinking regarding the diagnosis of the borderline patient.

An ego-psychological diagnostic approach to the borderline patient has been presented and detailed in previous publications. This paper modifies and expands this approach, providing a new, up-to-date model. This new model tries to accomplish the somewhat contradictory tasks of: (1) providing a current generally accepted psychodynamic framework, and (2) being more compatible with DSM-III-R. Both historical and current concepts of the borderline patient are reviewed and related to this new model. The concept of the borderline patient as someone with a specific structural configuration, to be differentiated from the normal-neurotic, the narcissistic, and the psychotic configurations, is retained.

Adolescent fatherhood: Developmental perils and potentials

Both adolescence and parenthood are developmental phases that induce regression and psychosocial vulnerability as part of the preparation for progressive identity consolidation. What happens when these phases converge in the lives of young men? In this article, the author employs a psychodynamic conceptual framework to explicate the unique developmental dilemmas of adolescent fatherhood. Resulting formulations are intended to assist clinicians in designing interventions that minimize the regressive perils and maximize the progressive potentials of this untimely convergence of life transitions.

Ego-focused psychotherapy: A psychodynamic framework for a technical eclecticism.

Ego-focused psychotherapy: A psychodynamic framework for a technical eclecticism.

Confirmation of the borderline personality within a psychodynamic framework.

Using a psychodynamic framework and an underlying structural configuration, the borderline patient is described. Statistical methods are then used to differentiate this group from both a schizophrenic and a character disorder group of patients. The borderline group emerges as a clear-cut entity characterized by (1) the lack of an integrated self concept, and (2) a particular ego structure consisting of a specific pattern of superficial ego strengths and underlying ego weaknesses.

Splitting and identification with the aggressor in assaultive borderline patients.

The author describes two borderline inpatients with assaultive behavior that was not controllable by medication. These patients use splitting to separate all-good and all-bad part representations, which hinders tolerance of ambivalence and control of aggression. Drive breakthroughs may reinforce their feelings of omnipotence. Interpreting episodes to the patient in this psychodynamic framework can aid their integration of self-representations and their ability to control aggression. Therapists and staff should resist the temptation to "give in" to such patients in order to forestall explosions.

Psychotherapy of male homosexuality.

Introduction The purpose of this paper is to describe a theoretical approach to the treatment of male homosexuality. We will focus on the narrow but definitive therapeutic goal of establishing and maintaining pleasurable heterosexual behavior in a homosexual patient. We will not be concerned at this time, therefore, with many related problems, such as family constellations, personality types, diagnosis, criteria for treatability, failures in treatment, and prognosis. We will limit ourselves to the formulation of a compact psychodynamic framework within which any homosexual deemed suitable for psychotherapy can be fitted, understood, and treated. We will then demonstrate the clinical utilization of this framework through the description of three successfully treated cases with follow-ups of five or more years. Our formulation will be made in adaptational terms without recourse to Freudian concepts of instinct and energy. The reasons for dropping these concepts have been