Psychoanalysts--No Longer Squeamish about Research
Where before, some psychoanalysts, as well as other psychotherapists were somewhat squeamish about doing empirical research because it was supposed that our theoretical constructs, attunement, and intuitive responses to patients were more art forms than scientific phenomena and these practices could not be defined, much less measured, there is now a recognition that even “art” can be described and discussed. Admittedly, all aspects of art may not be fully measurable at this time (or perhaps ever), but many facets of our practices can be narrowed down, operationally identified, and quantified.
At this point, the reality is that there may not be a choice. The imposition of external pressures brought to bear by insurance companies, psychopharmacology companies, and other competing forms of psychotherapy now demand that we accept the challenge to produce evidence to support our very existence and viability as a unified (although diverse) school of thought and mode of operations.
Fortunately, since its inception, psychoanalysis has had a scientific bent, so this is not an ego-alien idea. Although many in our ranks do not consider themselves to be researchers, they do not speak for those of us who are able to live in both worlds—clinical practice and research. Lately, even the non-researchers among us are expressing interest in the work of those stalwart souls who have been or are currently producing salutary results supportive of the psychoanalytic enterprise.
At this point, the reality is that there may not be a choice. The imposition of external pressures brought to bear by insurance companies, psychopharmacology companies, and other competing forms of psychotherapy now demand that we accept the challenge to produce evidence to support our very existence and viability as a unified (although diverse) school of thought and mode of operations.
Fortunately, since its inception, psychoanalysis has had a scientific bent, so this is not an ego-alien idea. Although many in our ranks do not consider themselves to be researchers, they do not speak for those of us who are able to live in both worlds—clinical practice and research. Lately, even the non-researchers among us are expressing interest in the work of those stalwart souls who have been or are currently producing salutary results supportive of the psychoanalytic enterprise.