External and internal reality: The impact of the current socio‐economic crisis on the analytic dyad

Abstract

This paper addresses the impact of the current economic crisis on the psychic functioning of the patient and the analyst, their relationship and collaboration. This intrusion of 'external reality' is multidimensional, and thus with multiple meanings. The critical role of the economic factor brings various dimensions of money into play, such as self-preservation, power as well as aspects of psychosexual development. In addition, the crisis involves symbolic loss of basic ideals such as honesty and social responsibility. Patient and analyst are affected in similar and different ways in their respective roles as well as according to the specific intrapsychic functioning of each. Moreover, unique characteristics of the crisis often create a crisis in the analysis. In order to avoid deformation of the analytic relationship, the analytic dyad must examine and work through the multiple meanings of the crisis as well as the meaning of the impact of the crisis on the analytic relationship for both patient and analyst. This complex transference- countertransference interplay poses specific challenges to the analyst. After discussion of these issues, clinical material is presented that demonstrates how they appear in analytic practice today.

Working through multiple crises: the experience of psychotherapists and psychoanalysts in Lebanon

“…Under the specific circumstances of our participants, the framework is being challenged in terms of frequency, fees, content, and resistances. “When the economic crisis intrudes on the analytic dyad, complex transference–countertransference ‘dynamics’ (vs. “vicissitudes”) are set forth that require great care in order for the analytic relationship to survive without deformation.” [ 25 ].…”

“…Kogan, quoted by Christopoulos [ 25 ] discusses the idea of a defensive denial of external reality by the psychoanalyst in an effort to neutralize his or her feelings of distress and helplessness in the face of the traumatic effect of external reality. It is essential, she says, to recognize this reality in order to be able to ensure a containing function and consequently to be able to explore the patient's internal response to this external situation and its entanglement with his personal history and functioning.…”

Working through multiple crises: the experience of psychotherapists and psychoanalysts in Lebanon

“…"When the economic crisis intrudes on the analytic dyad, complex transference-countertransference 'dynamics' (vs. "vicissitudes") are set forth that require great care in order for the analytic relationship to survive without deformation." (23) Kogan, quoted by Christopoulos (23) discusses the idea of a defensive denial of external reality by the psychoanalyst in an effort to neutralize his or her feelings of distress and helplessness in the face of the traumatic effect of external reality. It is essential, she says, to recognize this reality in order to be able to ensure a containing function and consequently to be able to explore the patient's internal response to this external situation and its entanglement with his personal history and functioning.…”