Further Thoughts on Consciousness, Mystical Experience, Character, and Clinical Process: Reply to Fox, Rundel, and Guss
Noelle Burton
Psychoanalytic Dialogues November 2, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/10481885.2023.2267394 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mystical experience |
| Key points | Argues that psychoanalytic models should be updated as new science emerges and that a relational multiple self-state model can be integrated with psychedelic therapy. Contends that psychedelic states and the altered states of consciousness in deep psychoanalytic work share common features, and discusses how the analyst's belief system shapes countertransference and how the analyst's influence can be distinguished from the patient's openness to revelatory experience. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT This is a reply to the discussions by Arthur Fox, Megan Rundel, and Jeffrey Guss. Clarification is made on the utility of diagnosis, as well as further elaboration on what is common to both psychedelic states and the altered states of consciousness encountered in deep psychoanalytic work. Additional thoughts on the integration of a relational multiple self-state model with psychedelic therapy are provided. The importance of updating our psychoanalytic models as new science emerges is emphasized. The intersection of the analyst’s belief system and its impact on countertransference is discussed. Differentiating the impact of the analyst’s influence from the patient’s openness to revelatory experience is addressed. Burton also responds to discussants on the subjects of ego dissolution, the presence/absence of conscience, defining mystical experience, Seth’s childhood/family experience, and defining set and setting.