Religious language in psychotherapy - Dyadic and triadic configurations

Journal/Book: Psychoanal Psychol. 1999; 16: 10 Industrial Ave, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2262, USA. Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc Inc. 389-402.

Abstract: In this article, clinical material from 3 patients with psychotic liabilities who introduced religious cosmologies into the psychotherapeutic situation is examined. These constructions did not occur in the context of an ongoing faith experience or long-standing participation in a religious community. One way of understanding these narratives is through dyadic and triadic configurations. In some cases, the introduction of a God representation is an attempt to withdraw from the therapeutic dyad into one of more omnipotence, promise, and hope. In others, the introduction of the God representation serves the purpose of locating a lawful Third to the regressive forces of the therapeutic dyad. The purpose of the Third is to structure the roles and relationships of the participants and to moderate the effects of regression inherent in a dyadic configuration.

Note: Article Tillman JG, Austen Riggs Ctr, Erik H Erikson Inst Educ & Res, 25 Main St, POB 962, Stockbridge,MA 01262 USA

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