The evolution of the internal dialogue during the psychoanalytic psychotherapy process

This article illustrates curative changes occurring in psychoanalytic psych otherapy by, developing the internal dialogue in the mind. By the internal dialogue, I mean the internalization of the therapy process during the recu rrent therapy sessions so that the external dialogue between therapist and patient becomes the corresponding internal structure of the patient. In thi s way there is a development of the patient's capacity do identify himself and the therapist as separate, sentient, thinking and reflecting individual s who have a free internal world of their own. The evolution of the interna l dialogue takes place by gradually progressing symbolization achieved thro ugh a four-step symbolization-reflectiveness approach. This process is one of the specific curative factors in the psychotherapeutic treatment of bord erline patients. The psychodynamics are illustrated by material from one se ssion each of the early and the final stages of therapy, showing a shift fr om monologue to internal dialogue. The evolved internal dialogue is a centr al part of the patient's budding thinking capacity, which creates a ground for her subjectivity and autonomy. This study underlines and specifies thre e factors as cornerstones of the evolution of identity In psychotherapy: sy mbolization, reflectiveness, and the internal dialogue.