Uses and Abuses of Relational Therapy: Do Any of Us Work at ‘the client’s own speed’? What is the Shadow of the Therapeutic Alliance? What are the Limits of Empathy? Andrew Samuels
Event Overview
The ’relational turn’ in contemporary psychoanalysis and psychotherapy dates back to the 1980s. In the US the work of Mitchell, Greenberg, Benjamin, Aron, Davies, Ghent and others mounted a major challenge to the orthodoxies of American psychoanalysis, particularly Ego Psychology. Its early influences included Fairbairn and British Object Relations theorists. The relational approach can also trace a line back to Freud’s contemporaries Otto Gross and Sandor Ferenczi – and also to C.G. Jung.
It was also part of a movement in psychoanalysis which was in tune with the huge cultural and social changes that have continued since the 1960s. Sexual and racial minorities could contemplate risking going into therapy and analysis both as patients and as practitioners of the profession.
These transitions have not all proceeded smoothly, yet they have profoundly affected practice and continue to place demands on received theory. But is there a potential for a new orthodoxy setting in – a cure through ‘proper’ relating? Despite the broadening of the field in the psy-professions, are we in danger of upholding a model of relationality which downplays its problems? This is what will be explored in the talk and – it is hoped – in the discussion.
This in-person event will focus on the psychotherapy field, although other fields may find the discussion of interest.
£55 members/£110.00 non-members, (Includes tea/coffee)
Please note;
There are only 45 places available so book early to avoid missing out.
Venue: NVCO – Society Building,
8 All Saints Street,
N1 9RL
10am – Tea and Coffee
10.30 – Presentation
11.15 – Questions and discussion
11.30 – Tea/coffee
12.00– Presentation
12.45 – Questions and discussion
1.30 – End
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