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Analysis interminable reconsidered

Analysis interminable reconsidered The American Journal of Psychoanalysis, VoL 53, No. 2, 1993 Naomi Rucker "The business of analysis is to secure the best possible psychological conditions for the functioning of the ego: with that it has discharged its task" (Freud, 1937, p. 250). Through the history of psychoanalytic theory and technique, attitudes toward termination have been dominated by this tenet. The resolution of core neurotic conflicts, the detachment from infan- tile incestuous bonds, a diminution of transference distortions, and the achievement of autonomous functioning are among criteria for termination cited repeatedly (Hurns, 1971; Langs, 1974; Firestein, 1974). Controver- sies over the role of termination in psychotherapy as opposed to psycho- analysis, over the characteristics of a termination phase, and regarding the specific techniques for termination have arisen, but, with scant exception, the conclusion of an analytic treatment is presumed. In 1927, Ferenczi argued against the abrupt ending of analysis. He felt that analysis would end properly when patients became convinced that, as a source of gratification, it yielded little. He cautioned, however, against ignoring the neurotic meaning that the wish to leave may carry. Kelman (1971), from a position reflecting Karen Horney's work, similarly expresses "abiding caution" about the meaning of http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png The American Journal of Psychoanalysis Springer Journals

Analysis interminable reconsidered

Rucker, Naomi
The American Journal of Psychoanalysis , Volume 53 (2): 14 – Jun 1, 1993
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References (35)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
1993 Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis
ISSN
0002-9548
eISSN
1573-6741
DOI
10.1007/BF01250489
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The American Journal of Psychoanalysis, VoL 53, No. 2, 1993 Naomi Rucker "The business of analysis is to secure the best possible psychological conditions for the functioning of the ego: with that it has discharged its task" (Freud, 1937, p. 250). Through the history of psychoanalytic theory and technique, attitudes toward termination have been dominated by this tenet. The resolution of core neurotic conflicts, the detachment from infan- tile incestuous bonds, a diminution of transference distortions, and the achievement of autonomous functioning are among criteria for termination cited repeatedly (Hurns, 1971; Langs, 1974; Firestein, 1974). Controver- sies over the role of termination in psychotherapy as opposed to psycho- analysis, over the characteristics of a termination phase, and regarding the specific techniques for termination have arisen, but, with scant exception, the conclusion of an analytic treatment is presumed. In 1927, Ferenczi argued against the abrupt ending of analysis. He felt that analysis would end properly when patients became convinced that, as a source of gratification, it yielded little. He cautioned, however, against ignoring the neurotic meaning that the wish to leave may carry. Kelman (1971), from a position reflecting Karen Horney's work, similarly expresses "abiding caution" about the meaning of

Journal

The American Journal of Psychoanalysis – Springer Journals

Published: Jun 1, 1993

Keywords: Clinical Psychology; Psychotherapy; Psychoanalysis

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