On Becoming Meta

Abstract

This presentation will develop the concept of metapsychological capacity and describe the convergence of Systemic, Self, Intersubjective and Horneyan theory that integrates into the metapsychological construct. The traditional concepts of repetition compulsion and projective identification are expanded from their mechanistic roots towards a more real, existential, iterative force that influences the therapeutic process. Metapsychological capacity creates a therapeutic presence enabling greater emotional awareness and psychological growth for both the therapist and the patient. The foundations of repetition compulsion, Horneyan character splits and projective identification serve to frame the intersubjective space from which real self emerges. Focused on subjective/relationship-near immersion, real self emergence and resonating character splits, Horney clearly understood the metapsychological capacity required for emotional growth. Deconstruction of other more classic historical and mechanistic theoretical legacies is required to comprehend and experience this therapeutic presence.