Search

The authors propose a theoretical and technical reflection on the main characteristics of an intersubjective approach to psychoanalytical work. After considering some of the main theoretical orientations that develop the intersubjective relational approach and identify its fundamental elements, the authors consider some of the consequences in terms of therapeutic action and thus of technique in clinical work. The theoretical metaphors of 'field', 'intersubjective analytic third' and 'intersubjective co-construction' are considered as fundamental referents of intersubjective developments in psychoanalytical work. In the context of the intersubjective orientation in psychoanalytic work, the relational frame theory and related notions, such as 'emotional belief', as well as its value for diagnostic reflection consistent with an intersubjective relational approach, are also referred to. Elements relating to open research areas on the aforementioned topics conclude the discussions in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors deal with the topic of training in group and institutional settings with specific attention to how these interventions can be conceived and implemented in the current social situation. The reflections move from a conceptual and operational reference scheme based on the operational psychoanalysis of E. Pichon-Rivière and J. Bleger for conceptualization and intervention through group devices and in the contexts of care institutions. The cultural dimension is considered as an aspect that characterizes many contexts of training work in the current psycho-social-health and educational services. The attitude and ability to welcome change on the part of operators is highlighted as a current necessity in training work. This presupposes knowing how to integrate and evolve the reference schemes through which group and institutional training interventions operate. The proposed reflection also takes into account some movements that are found today in the community context, in the Polis within which training processes involving groups and institutions take place. Thus the consideration arises that training has taken on, even more so in recent years, a role of welcoming the subjective, intersubjective, group and institutional dilemmas and conflicts connected to the task of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the text by G. Civitarese "Experiences in Groups as a key to 'late' Bion", the author proposes a reading of the topics covered and an in-depth analysis of some aspects concerning the relationship between group and individual, the on the technique of postbionian conceptions, dual and group intersubjectivity in analytic work, the use of the analytic field theory in group situations. The group foundation of subjectivity is considered both as a philosophical and epistemological basis of the therapeutic work, and as a necessary prerequisite for a certain technical attitude of the therapist who wants to orient his own approach in an intersubjective sense. The theme of the group-of-two constituted by the therapeutic couple opens questions and possible perspectives that challenge certain visions of the analytic context and of the therapeutic relationship. It should also be noted that Bion's thought of Experiences in Groups, as reread by Civitarese, provides interesting explanatory and interpretative possibilities, being able to apply it also to the dual therapeutic situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors introduce Bruno Vezzani's essay, "Responsibility in Politics", to connect it to education, the theme of the next issue of the Review. They highlight how current changes inevitably influence education, making it necessary to use other epistemologies and new ways of inhabiting the polis. Finally, the authors emphasise the extent to which the power of institutions determines and influences the very training of mental health workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article takes into consideration and tries to integrate the task of the hospitality towards migrants in the reception centres and the group training processes of the professionals working with them. Difficulties, protections and phenomena that emerge from these settings will be analysed, with particular attention to the group dinamics and processes, considered both in the community life and in the training and supervision contexts. In the subsequent reflections, as in the methodologies applied on the field, the authors investigate a possible integration between operational psychoanalysis, mainly referring to the works of Pichon-Rivière and Bleger, group approach and some elements from the etnopsichiatry school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this interview Salvatore Inglese, an Italian psychiatrist and a pioneer of ethnopsychiatry, discusses the current, international migration phenomenon with some members of the Gruppi editorial board. Various issues are approached, such as the conflict between the wish to meet and mingle with strangers and the need to experience a strong feeling of belonging, guaranteed by well-defined borders and traditions. If experiencing a conflictual feeling when meeting a foreigner is unavoidable and accepting to take care of his/her needs inescapable, then ethnopsychiatry is very much at the forefront when trying to face the unbridgeable difference between the parties involved. The very theoretical assumptions of Western clinical practice and psychopathology are therefore questioned, and special consideration is given to those who are directly involved in offering assistance to immigrants in the welcoming communities. As far as theoretical assumptions are concerned, Salvatore Inglese deals with three further subjects: the unconscious and the group, which are seen as natural elements, and the therapeutic setting, which is described as a well-defined element which can highlight and dynamize the relationship between the two former elements. Special reference is made to Georges Devereux's and Tobie Nathan's works when discussing how linguistic difficulties influence the setting arrangement. As for providing care to caregivers, relevance is given to the necessary effort to bear with the feeling of "estrangement" which is experienced when trying to cast a bridge between diversities that are difficult to reconcile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a number of training experts with different cultural backgrounds and theoretical and technical approaches dialogue. Their aim is to open a debate on what kind of competences mental health professionals dealing with migrants and migration should have. Today's major social transformations are bringing about changes in clinical practice, in the organisation of care services and in job opportunities: all of this implies an inevitable rethinking of training. Everyone agrees in recognising the group device as one of the main resources to face these difficulties. The reception of migrants leads to important experiences of bewilderment towards the new and uncertainty towards one's own cultural paradigms. It is fundamental to learn notions of anthropology and ethno-psychology to be able to listen to the other and understand his/her real needs within his/her personal and specific cultural and meaning framework, made of peculiar symbolic registers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]