Competing Theories Of Interpretation

The field of psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy has tended to fragment into disparate theoretical orientations that often find little in common with each other, though each sheds light on important aspects of the psyche. This book addresses the question, how can these disparate orientations best be brought together in the service of interpretation? Starting from the conviction that treatment becomes more effective and comprehensive if as many aspects of the psyche as possible are addressed, Robert Hooberman proposes that character structure—an aspect of psychic functioning traditionally given short shrift in psychoanalytic discourse—can provide a framework in which multiple theoretical perspectives can have their say. Numerous case examples are used for illustration.

The field of psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy has tended to fragment into disparate theoretical orientations that often find little in common with each other, though each sheds light on important aspects of the psyche. This book addresses the question, how can these disparate orientations best be brought together in the service of interpretation? Starting from the conviction that treatment becomes more effective and comprehensive if as many aspects of the psyche as possible are addressed, Robert Hooberman proposes that character structure—an aspect of psychic functioning traditionally given short shrift in psychoanalytic discourse—can provide a framework in which multiple theoretical perspectives can have their say. Numerous case examples are used for illustration.

Robert E. Hooberman, Ph.D. practices psychotherapy and psychoanalysis with adolescents, adults and couples in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is a Training and Supervising Analyst and Director of Training at the Michigan Psychoanalytic Council. He has presented at a number of local and national meetings, and is well regarded as a supervisor and educator. Dr. Hooberman has written two previous books, Character Transformation through the Psychotherapeutic Relationship and, with his wife Barbara Hooberman, M.D. as co-author, Managing the Difficult Patient.