Comments on the original article, "The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy," by J. Shedler. Shedler's informative article raised several issues worthy of comment. His choice of the word distinctive (p. 98) in describing aspects of psychodynamic technique is open to at least two interpretations. On the one hand, distinctive can have a…

Responds to the comments by D. McKay; B. D. Thombs, L. R. Jewett, and M. Bassel; M. D. Anestis, J. C. Anestis, and S. O. Lilienfeld; and W. W. Tryon and G. S. Tryon on the current author's original article, "The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy." The academic psychology literature is filled with pronouncements about psychodynamic theory,…

"Preparing International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for Psychiatry Residency: A Multi-Site Needs Assessment" (1) addresses the needs of IMGs entering psychiatry residency training in Canada. On the basis of a survey of five psychiatric residency training programs, the authors report that respondents ranked (in order of importance)…

Describes the three major approaches to play therapy: psychoanalytic, structured, and relationship approaches. Discussion focuses on problems of interpretation in the psychoanalytic approach, release of pent-up emotions in the structured approach, and phases of play and therapist guidelines in nondirective, relationship therapy. (RH)

States that psychoanalytic therapy is a conversation about the "good life" with particular moral aims. Argues that the analyst attempts to convince the analysand of the advantages of being a decentered social-constructivist who broadens her realm of self-acknowledgement and enriches her moral vocabulary. Concludes that this advocacy of…

Presents a selection of interpretations in the psychoanalytic literature of "Hamlet," by William Shakespeare, beginning with an extensive look at the role this literature played in Sigmund Freud's mind at the origins of psychoanalysis. Also examines later interpretations. (SR)

Comments on Haley's paper "The Effect of Long-Term Outcome Studies on the Therapy of Schizophrenia." Criticizes Haley for making gratuitous, demeaning remarks about psychiatry; concluding that schizophrenia is a psychological and social problem; recommending ineffective treatments for the psychotic phase; and recommending psychotherapy without…

J. M. Barrie's popular story of Peter Pan depicts the never-neverland of an endless happy childhood. Analysis of the story and of J. M. Barrie's personal background, however, reveals that the tale is a conflicted solution to and separation from early childhood losses and disappointments. Themes of separation and reunion, redesertion and revenge…

Reproduces the transcript of one of Carl Rogers' filmed therapeutic sessions with Miss Mun, followed by an empirical and clinical-qualitative analysis. Five task oriented processes are examined in detail: the evocative impact of reflections of feeling; empathic affirmation as a marker of intense vulnerability; focusing reflections; working with…

Discusses use of alternate sessions, regularly scheduled meetings without the therapist, in analytic group therapy and proposes that opinions should be derived from a theoretical formulation, not in place of one. A decision against the use of alternate sessions is presented by delineating basics of psychoanalytic theory. (Author/BEF)

The role of the arts as a therapeutic form of creative expression with mentally ill or emotionally disturbed persons is examined with particular emphasis on poetry and bibliotherapy. Briefly described is a Creative Arts Reciprocity Experience (CARE) program. (DB)

That psychoanalytic theory has not been displaced by the behavioral theory of neurosis is remarkable in view of the persuasive evidence that exists for the efficacy of behavior therapy. One reason for this seems to be the persistence of widespread misperceptions of behavior therapy. (Author)

Reviews and comments upon articles by Jane Loevinger and Robert Kegan devoted to self and ego. A spiral-process model of self-conception is offered as an elaboration of the processes that might be involved in equilibration. The clarifying purpose of theory should not be forgotten. A phenomenological perspective is presented. (Author/BEF)

Objective: The Residency Review Committee (RRC) requirement that residents must achieve competency in psychodynamic psychotherapy has generated considerable deliberation. Methods: The authors debated this subject at the 2004 American Psychiatric Association (APA) meetings. Results: Arguments favoring current requirements emphasize the importance…

Psychoanalysts and psychotherapists in general do not apprehend the data of their field in any strict literal sense. Rather, they prefigure psychopathological data at a precognitive level. This prefiguration employs one or more of the poetic tropes of metaphor, metonymy, synecdoche, and irony. Each psychotherapy achieves its particular explanatory…