The Danger of Sadomasochism in the Reparenting of Psychotics

Abstract

The danger of a sadomasochistic merger between therapist and patient is inherent in any treatment approach. This article begins with a consideration of psychic masochism and a brief overview of the work of John Rosen (1953), who popularized the use of parenting techniques with psychotics. The use, or misuse, of such techniques with psychotics may result in the establishment of a sadomasochistic merger between therapist and patient. Four pathological sadomasochistic scenarios that result from the misuse of parenting techniques, and the influence they exert on the psychic structure of both therapist and patient, are described.

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Notes on contributors

Ken Woods

Ken Woods, recently retired from private practice, is currently pursuing clinical research and writing. He is particularly interested in those dynamics that influence the operation of our public mental health agencies.