The Analytic Couch and Power - by Alexander Mattisseck (Paperback)

About the Book

This book critically examines the symbolic role of the couch in psychoanalysis, questioning its impact on therapeutic dynamics. It explores concerns about power imbalances, potential abuse, and the prioritization of theory over patient well-being, addressing the ethical challenges within psychoanalytic treatment.

Book Synopsis

The couch is regarded as one of the most well-known and symbolic elements of psychoanalysis, yet its role in the therapeutic process is not without controversy. This book subjects its function within psychoanalytic treatment to critical examination and explores a possible connection to problematic therapeutic dynamics. The asymmetry inherent in psychoanalytic treatment has prompted considerable skepticism, with critical voices suggesting that patients are disadvantaged. These concerns raise questions about the potential for abuse, therapeutic malpractice, and the impact of a more rigid, theory-driven approach that may prioritize psychoanalytic tradition over the well-being of the patient. How justified are these concerns? What do the available research findings reveal about misconduct, abuse of power, and the clinical application of psychoanalytic theory?

This book brings the topics of therapeutic power in psychotherapy and the analytic couch into critical dialog.

Review Quotes

A fresh perspective on psychoanalysis. Power isn't just a theoretical concern - it has real consequences for clinical practice.--Marco Bofinger, Psychologist, DIE PFALZBURGER, Addiction Treatment Center in Berlin

This book addresses what often lingers beneath the surface but is rarely named or closely examined: power and psychoanalysis.--Dr. Marco Schickel, Psychologist & Researcher

About the Author

Alexander Mattisseck (Author)
Alexander Mattisseck is a psychologist with a background in clinical psychology as well as occupational and organizational psychology. He is a key partner in a well-established psychological practice in Berlin that offers cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic approaches, and both psychodynamic and psychoanalytic treatments for adults, children, and adolescents. His work is grounded in the psychodynamic approach of Analytic Intensive Counseling, which was initially developed in the tradition of brief psychoanalytic therapy. In addition, he has worked in organizational psychology in a hands-on, practice-based capacity, advising teams and organizations on psychological dynamics in the workplace.

Gabriele Cassullo (Foreword by)
Dr. Gabriele Cassullo is a member of the Italian Psychoanalytical Society and the International Psychoanalytical Association. He is a lecturer at the International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) in Berlin and serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the International Forum of Psychoanalysis.