Left to Our Own Devices. Issue 2 (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Trub, Leora; Magaldi, Danielle
• Is Part Of: Psychoanalytic perspectives. Volume 14:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 219
• Page End: 236
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: computer-mediated treatment -- online therapy -- Skype therapy -- teleanalysis; Psychoanalysis -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychology and literature -- Periodicals; Psychoanalytic Theory -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychoanalysis; Psychology and literature; Psychotherapy; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 150.195
• DOI: 10.1080/1551806X.2017.1304118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1551-806X

Abstract

Abstract : This paper considers the challenges and opportunities presented by computer-mediated treatments made possible by emerging technoculture. Clinical complexities arising from the introduction of screen relations into treatment has changed fundamental assumptions of the analytic situation; these complexities were observed in 26 in-depth interviews conducted with psychoanalytic clinicians on the topic of technology and professional practice. Selected excerpts from these interviews are presented within the context of a broader literature review alongside the authors' theorizing about our current, rapidly changing technological climate. The authors highlight various dimensions of our newfound screen-based analytic relationships such as what the analyst can now "see" through the screen, the realistic and illusory elements of digital space, the "digital third, " and the experience of straddling digital and nondigital realities. A case example is used to illustrate these dimensions and explore implications for analytic process.