What do psychodynamic therapists make of their reveries in the therapeutic encounter? A constructivist grounded theory study

Abstract

Sometimes the therapist's mind will wander to daydreams, fantasies and preoccupations: mental events termed 'reveries' in this study. The present study aims to investigate the thoughts, feelings, and attitudes therapists have about their reveries in relation to the therapeutic encounter with the patient, including whether reveries are felt to be clinically useful. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine qualified psychodynamic therapists. Data were analysed using a constructivist grounded theory methodology (Charmaz, 2014). The results of the study showed that therapists experience a diverse inner life of reverie in the therapeutic encounter, which they consider a fundamental component of psychodynamic work. In particular, reveries were considered to be an important countertransference phenomenon that can provide deeper clinical understanding. They were also seen as having a 'freeing-up' function for the therapist and patient. Reveries were additionally felt to require a certain degree of mental freedom to operate. The implications for theoretical understanding and recommendations for a clinical technique that includes attention to reverie are considered.