Field theory: The transference-countertransference relationship and second look

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the characteristics and clinical utility of the psychoanalytic field theory proposed by M. and W. Baranger, with particular emphasis on the issues of the transferential-counter transferential relationship and the ‘second look’. The role of central key metaphors embodied in the experience of both patient and analyst is illustrated through the author's personal experience and participation in Three Level Model (3LM) work groups. The risk of moments of intense communication between patient and analyst has the possibility for the analyst to lose distance, making it necessary to go beyond moments of emotional resonance and reverie and to take a “second look” to understand the analyst's involvement in the interactional process in order to prevent the constitution of bastions of the field. The 3LM work groups extend the temporal context to include longer periods of time and a “third group look” that triangulates perspectives through group discussions, allowing for the exploration of transformations that have occurred in the analysis. The field perspective contributes to a deeper understanding of the transference-countertransference relationship. The “second” and the “third look” broadens the analyst's insights and enriches the understanding of the psychoanalytic process and its multifaceted dynamics.

KEYWORDS:

• Field theory
• transference-countertransference
• second look

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The word “metaphor” is derived from Greek. It comes from the noun μϵταφορά, μϵταφορᾶς (pr. metafora, metaforas), which comes from the verb μϵταφέρω (pr. metafero), the meaning of which is to transport, from one term to another.