Transformation and Interpretation: The Case of Adam, A Clinical Narrative and Discussion

Abstract

This paper demonstrates how the Three-Level Model for Observing Transformations in Psychoanalysis permits a lively discussion among analysts on change and absence of change in the patient. The authors debate the nature and degree of the difficulties and explore conceptual questions and theoretical ideas to shed further light on change and mechanisms of change in the case of Adam.

Keywords:

• Three-Level Model
• psychotherapy research
• analytic change
• analytic interventions
• interpretation
• transformation
• unconscious communication
• analytic theories
• therapeutic action

Notes on Contributors

Margaret Ann Fitzpatrick Hanly is a Training and Supervising Analyst, International Psychoanalytical Association, and Chair of the IPA Committee on Clinical Observation.

Siri Erika Gullestad is a Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychology and a Training and Supervising Analyst, International Psychoanalytical Association.

Robert S. White is a faculty member at Western New England Psychoanalytic Institute and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University.

Ricardo Bernardi is a full member and Training Analyst of the Uruguayan Psychoanalytic Association (APU).

Notes

1 “Experiences, impressions, and memory-traces may be revised at a later date to fit in with fresh experiences or with the attainment of a new stage of development. They may in that event be endowed not only with a new meaning, but also with psychical effectiveness” (Laplanche and Pontalis 1973, p. 111).