An intersubjective approach: Links to self psychology

Abstract

The intersubjective perspective of Stolorow, Brandchaft, Atwood, and Orange is described and differentiated from self psychology, with which it is frequently confused. Key concepts such as invariant organizing principles, impasses, conjunction and disjunction, and disruption and repair are described and illustrative vignettes of these concepts are presented. The three different forms of the unconscious: the unvalidated unconscious, the pre‐reflective unconscious, and the dynamic unconscious utilized in the intersubjective perspective are described. It is suggested that the intersubjective perspective is consistent with the evolving dynamic systems theory.

Notes

My purpose is to present salient features of intersubjectivity. It is not possible to present an exhaustive overview of all aspects of the theory. Readers interested in a more thorough study may find the bibliography at the end of the paper helpful.

Dorienne Sorter, Ph.D. is faculty and supervisor at Blanton Peale Graduate Institute and the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center. She is also a faculty member and supervising analyst at the Institute for the Psychoanalytic Study of Subjectivity.