Couples and Family Psychoanalytical Therapy Models

Ana Packciarz Losso et Roberto Losso (Buenos-Aires, argentine, Bologne, Italie)

Our model is based on psychoanalytic theory (Freud, Klein, Winnicott, Bion) and mainly on Link theory (Pichon-Rivière), identification theory, (W and m Baranger), link field theory (Losso: intrapsychic field link and interpsychic field link) and scenario theory. We also consider the internal/ external group dialectic, the significant link structures (unconscious alliances), transpersonal defenses, the family myth, inter and transgenerational transmission, unconscious phenomena in the link field, mythic transfers and collusions.

Technique:
We work as co-therapists, and as a heterosexual couple that is hierachically equal. This fosters a “second look” on the link field. The therapeutic couple can function, to a certain extent as a communication model. It can disagree in a dialectic manner that allows for each therapist’s stance to be integrated in a complementary manner. This approach helps to differentiate legitimate disagreements, which exist in any normal couple and family where differences exist (where there is autonomy) between subjects, from invalidations. Using the transferential link, the therapeutic couple, as a model parental couple, can create conditions such that the family can experience in the here and now novel experiences and gain ego strength
We listen to verbal communications and take into account both the patient’s and the analysts’ non-verbal communications.

As therapeutic resources, we address our interpretations to the group, to sub-groups within the family and to individuals, constructions (primarily concerned with the mythical family history), psychodrama techniques based on scenarios that arise in the link field (pathogenic scenarios and key scenes). Starting from the manifest scenario, we work with dramatizations to try to elicit the latent scene. Dramatizations are particularly useful to explore inter and trans-generational links (on occasion, during the dramatization we call upon some of the family’s historical characters).