THE IMPORTANCE OF DYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPIES IN THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHOTICS - COUNTER-TRANSFERENTIAL ASPECTS OF THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS

The author sees that the first problem in discussing the psychotherapy of psychoses is that of their etiology. He points out the importance of the theory of Freud, the object-relationship theory of the Kleinian school, the self-psychology of Kohut, the ego-psychology of Hartmann and the communication theories of Bateson, Watzlawick and others. Psyc hoses are states characterized, from a psychodynamic point of view, by regression to an archaic stare of libido development, with oedipal an d pre-oedipal components and impairment of ego-functions and the devel opment of archaic and primitive defense mechanisms. Psychoanalytic psy chotherapy can provide an important tool in any therapeutic approach. It is not a symptomatic therapy, it is based on a relationship, appeal s to a potential for integration and seeks an identification with the analyst. The most important aims of psychotherapy of psychotics are to obtain a nem ego organisation, with better adaptation to reality and a reorganisation of integrative functions to substitute psychotic defe nse mechanisms by neurotic ones. The problem of counter-transference h as a special importance in the psychoanalytical psychotherapy of psych oses. On the other hand, it is in the treatment of psychotics, in whic h an integrated therapy is particulary important. In the psychotherape utic treatment, it is necessary to combine the behaviour cognitive the rapies with the insight ones and the individual, group and family appr oaches.