Thread by @jefffinethomas

I find Alonso’s conceptualization of the foundations of psychoanalytic thinking very helpful. But, a lot has changed since she wrote her chapter on the basics of psychodynamic theory in 1989. 🧵

Since she wrote there have been significant shifts in thinking about the structures of the mind, what is motivating people, developmental theory, what constitutes problems in living (pathology),

what might be the source of change in people, how the therapy relationship works and the role of the therapist in the treatment, and the importance of and conceptualization of relationships among other things.

If I were to add to Alonso’s list of foundational aspects of psychoanalytic theory, I would definitely include the relational milieu.

While there is a lot of discussion and difference amongst theorists concerning many aspects of relationship,

I think it is probably safe to say that most psychoanalytic therapists agree that the connection between the patient and therapist is a significant part of the therapeutic process.

Similarly, the various relational systems the patient experiences in life inform and influence almost every aspect of the patient from emotions to development to patterns they experience and well beyond. #psychoanalysis #psychstudent #therapisttwitter #therapistsconnect