Psychoanalytic Process Theory, Clinical Observations, and Empirical Research

In this landmark volume, already acclaimed as "certain to become a milestone in the history of psychoanalysis and ego psychology", Joseph Weiss' theory of the psychotherapeutic process is presented and supported by the systematic, quantitative research carried out by Sampson, Weiss, and the Mount Zion Psychotherapy Research Group. The book delineates clear-cut implications for doing therapy and for conceptualizing the therapeutic process. The theory extends and develops concepts that Freud introduced in his later writings. It assumes that psychopathology stems from certain grim, unconscious, pathogenic beliefs that the patient acquires by inference from early traumatic experiences. The patient suffers unconsciously from these beliefs and the feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse that stem from them. He is, therefore, powerfully motivated unconsciously to change them. Moreover, the patient is able to exert considerable control over unconscious mental life and, indeed, to make and carry out unconscious plans. He works unconsciously throughout his treatment to change pathogenic beliefs, both by testing them in relation to the analyst and by using insights conveyed by the analyst's interpretations.Weiss, Joseph is the author of 'Psychoanalytic Process Theory, Clinical Observations, and Empirical Research' with ISBN 9780898626704 and ISBN 0898626706.