Reflections on psychoanalytical training

These reflections were formulated in connection with the interview with Mary Target, conducted by her with training analyst as a part of an IPA research project. The interview was thorough and detailed, however, it cannot be replicated here also because its quite personal nature. I was also invited to see the transcript and make comments on it.

The interview was in itself a very interesting and thought provoking experience. I had an opportunity to reflect on my personal experience of training and on my development as a psychoanalyst. I would not attempt to extrapolate that into more general statements, however, I have thought that some of my considerations may be worth sharing.

I do not see any clear conclusions deriving from my experiences with regard to the different models of the training. I would strongly highlight the importance of motivation for learning, firstly, as learning about oneself through personal analysis, secondly, as a search for knowledge about the unconscious and the human nature; and all that in connection with a need to learn how mental and emotional suffering can be alleviated.

Personal analysis is, in my opinion, central to the development of an analyst. I would like it to be separated as much as possible from a training structure and given maximum opportunity to unfold and to proceed unimpeded by any secondary considerations. The French model is one possible solution but, I think, such a principle can be incorporated in different training approaches.

I find it rather hard to validate the role of conscious and unconscious motivations in wanting to train a psychoanalyst, as I see them as closely interlinked and influencing one another. As in any helping professions a psychoanalyst — medical and non-medical one — is motivated by the wish to repair and heal internal objects and relationships, whether linked with parental figures or referring to one’s own troubles and deficiencies. I believe that the analytical endeavour is specific in that attempts to heal wounds and alleviate suffering are combined with development of a realistic perspective in which search and respect for truth are central priority. This premise has to be reflected in personal development of an analyst and in training that should foster such development.

The main area of difficulties in that path lies in narcissistic and omnipotent motivations which, even though they may not overtly thwart conscious learning, when become dominant and unchecked can undermine growth and development of the analyst (at any stage of his professional life). In extreme cases in can lead to disastrous consequences which may affect not only the individual and his patients but also his organisation (institute, group).

The role of the psychoanalytic organisation (group, institute, society) is essential. It can be containing and facilitating but it can be also restrictive, obstructive, or even destructive when distortions or transgressions are institutionalised.

The training, its nature and its effectiveness is to some extent determined by training psychoanalysts in so far as they play a major role in its implementation. But not only by them. Trends and problems in the organisation are a result of complex forces operating with it. Therefore nature of organisational processes – constructive or unhelpful– needs to be monitored and remedied, if necessary. Then such organisation is more likely to fulfil its function which is to provide – to candidates through its training and to its members through support it offers – some safeguards against ossification and other distortions of psychoanalysis. It should also foster freedom of exploration and facilitate growth of psychoanalysis in a broader sense.

But we have to accept that clinical psychoanalysis is based on an individual endeavour. In principle it is a lonely business. some of the difficulties lie in the in the very nature of the psychoanalytical enterprise. The psychoanalyst is motivated to explore and grapple with dark forces in himself and with others. This gives him a unique opportunity to be in touch in various sides of the human nature and to attempt to foster positive changes. However, such involvement exposes him to those forces, challenges him and can put him at risk of falling victim to them, psychologically or somatically.

In the current times, work with more difficult and more disturbed patients requires more flexibility and freedom in our way of thinking and working. Acceptance of such variations requires confidence in psychoanalysis and one's own functioning, however, such confidence needs to be grounded in a contained and disciplined approach. Confident and purposeful functioning of the analyst can be undermined by omnipotent strivings and self-deception. Awareness of one’s own limitations and fallibility, and cautionary tales of catastrophic falls of analytical authorities need to be part of realistic appreciation of unique opportunities as well as dangers that are present in our exceptional, difficult and wonderful profession.