To Speak or Not to Speak—The Taboo of Communication

Abstract

In this discussion, Dr. William Lubart's case presentation is discussed from two complementary points of view—nonlinear dynamic systems theory and the “taboo of communication.” The therapeutic couple is considered as a unitary system (the “analytic unity”), and the developmental trajectory of this particular process is discussed with an emphasis on choice points depending on whether painful subjects are spoken about openly or shrouded in silence. Brief consideration is given as to whether greater efforts to break the taboo around communication might have altered the life of this particular analytic unity. The importance of the struggle to find ways to speak about what is happening is highlighted, especially with difficult, shameful, and painful subjects that are ordinarily taboo.

KEYWORDS:

• nonlinear dynamic systems theory
• trauma
• complexity theory
• NDS
• communication
• taboo