Abstract
This paper examines the concept of “focal psychotherapy” as a form of psychoanalytic psychotherapy utilizing essentially the same conceptualization of the therapeutic process as long-term psychotherapy or psychoanalysis, mainly that the primary interventions are interpretive. Since in this treatment process a narrower sector of the psychopathology is reactivated than in long-term psychotherapy, the psychotherapy is restricted to the exploration and working through of a focal conflict precipitated by a recent event which has overwhelmed the patient's characterological defense mechanisms. The case report illustrates the applicability of focal psychotherapy to patients whose core pathology is understood to consist of deficits in the structure of the self rather than structural conflict.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Balint, M. Research in psychotherapy and the importance of the findings for psychoanalysis.Revue de Medecine Psychosomatique et de Psychologie Medicale, 1970,12, 225–240.
Balint, M., Ornstein, P.H., & Balint, E.Focal psychotherapy: An example of applied Psychoanalysis. London: Tavistock, 1972.
Bonnefil, M. Crisis and diagnosis: Infantile autism.Clinical Social Work Journal, 1976,4, 276–288.
Bonnefil, M. Therapist, save my child: A family crisis case.Clinical Social Work Journal, 1979,7, 6–14.
Caplan, G.Principles of preventive psychiatry, New York: Basic Books, 1964.
Davanloo, H.Basic principles and techniques in short-term dynamic psychotherapy. New York: Spectrum Books, 1978.
French, T.The interpretation of behavior, Vols. 1, 2, 3 Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1952, 1954, 1958.
Kohut, H. Introspection, empathy, and psychoanalysis. An examination of the relationship between mode of observation and theory.Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 1959,7, 459–483.
Malan, D. H.A study of brief psychotherapy, Mind and Medicine monographs 8. London: Tavistock, 1963.
Malan, D.H.The frontier of brief psychotherapy. New York: Plenum Publishing Company, 1976.
Marmor, J. Short-term dynamic psychotherapy.The American Journal of Psychiatry, 1979,136, 149–155.
Ornstein, P. & Ornstein, A. Focal psychotherapy: Its potential impact on psychotherapeutic practice in medicine,Journal of Psychiatry and Medicine, 1972,3, 311–325.
Orstein, P. & Orstein, A. On the continuing evolution of psychoanalytic psychotherapy; Reflections and prediction.In the chicago annual of psychoanalysis (Vol. V) New York: International Universities Press, 1977.
Rank, O.Wili therapy. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1947.
Rapoport, L. The state of crisis-some theoretical considerations,The Social Service Review, 1962,23, 211–217.
Sifneos, P.Short-term psychotherapy and emotional crisis. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1972.
Strickler, M., & Bonnefil, M. Crisis intervention and social casework; Similarities and differences in problem-solving.Clinical Social Work Journal, 1974,2, 36–44.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chernus, L.A. Focal psychotherapy and self pathology: A clinical illustration. Clin Soc Work J 11, 215–227 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755806
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755806