On the place of involuntary restructuring in change

The past decade has seen much research and experimentation on the relations hip between cognition and unconscious processes. The unconscious has become not only acceptable in academic and experimental studies, but has spurred much stimulation and excitement. There is a beginning rapprochement between cognitive psychology and psychoanalysis. This article provides historical perspective to recent efforts and offers a phenomenological view of some of the concepts. It also offers insight into the creative process as it relat es to the unconscious and to current findings, It is suggested that change in the course of psychoanalysis, by relating the past to the present and by using free association and dream interpretation, is fostered through restr ucturing of the ways in which the individual perceives himself or herself i n the context of his or her primary family and his or her place in the worl d. As the individual revises self-percepts, the entire psychological field undergoes revision. The place of affects in fostering restructuring is disc ussed. Clinical examples are used, followed by a discussion of the relation ship between cognitive and psychoanalytic psychology.