Key words: relational psychoanalysis; qualitative research; grounded theory analysis; coding; theoretical saturation; sensitizing concepts
Relational Psychoanalytic Theory, a post-modern American model that emerged in the 1980’s, has reworked historical Freudian and Kleinian models through the lens of social constructivism. This paradigm shift has had huge implications for the practice of psychoanalysis. The shift from insight (historical models) as the primary instrument of change to working through of the therapeutic relationship as the change agent, has resulted in the rules for practice to be less clear. With this in mind, a qualitative research study was conducted to determine fundamental techniques or competencies that can provide a working framework for contemporary analytic practice. To enhance confidence in discoveries from the Grounded Theory Analysis, this study also compared the findings to a robust literature review, a review of the 2008 Symposium on Relational Psychoanalysis and the landmark meta-analyses research conducted by Blagys and Hilsenroth (2000) on defining techniques in psychoanalysis. The results of the qualitative study revealed seven core competencies: therapeutic intent; therapeutic stance; deep listening/immersion; relational dynamics; patterning and linking; repetition/working through and courageous speech through disciplined spontaneity. The overarching competency was love.