THE USE OF THE PATIENT AS CONSULTANT Herbert S. Strean ‘While psychoanalysis, as a field of research and study, has al- ways concerned itself with its own growth and has sought new re- plies to unanswered queries, it would appear that we are now wit- nessing a different phenomenon. Part of the very web of psycho analytic treatment, with its emphasis on interpretive intervention, is currently under serious scrutiny. What is precipitating this trend? Are cultural changes, which create new and different symptoms and character problems, bring- ing a new and different patient to the therapist’s office?" Is psycho- analysis emerging from its latency period and fecling revived im- pulses to create” Perhaps: but it is not the purpose of this paper to examine either the causes or the apparent modifications in the psy- choanalytic community. That changes are occurring is quite clear. One could cite numerous examples in current publications, all suggesting a shift of therapeutic attention to new themes and a unique assumption of a therapeutic role, Instead of interpreting pathological aspects of the patients’ mancuvers, various authors have described successful attempts at role playing, mirroring the patients’ distortions, joining their resistances, and supporting their defenses 4 © & ° The writer, a young student of psychoanalysis and psychother- apy, gradually grew apprehensive and confused as he was exposed to the current contributions suggesting modifications of traditional therapeutic technique. As he heard and read differing treatment pro- cedures from respected supervisors, consultants, and authors, cach * The writer would like to express his gratitude to Dr, Oscar Sternbach, Director Child Therapy Division, Theodor Reik Clinic, and to Mr. Leslie Rosenthal, Consultant in Group Therapy, Jewish Board of Guardians, for their stimulat- ing suggestions which led to the writing of this paper. Copyright (c) 2006 ProQuest Information and Learning Company Copyright (c) Guilford Publications, Ine.