THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE THERAPEUTIC FORMAT AND THE PLACE OF ACTING OUT IN PSYCHOTHERAPY

Abstract

I have described the development of therapeutic concept, from animal magnetism and suggestibility to transference and tele. Then I dealt with the inherent inability of the individual methods to treat interpersonal and group problems. Now I am going to explore the formats of the therapeutic situation,' in which it is said that analysis, treatment and cure take place. A therapeutic format consist of two parts, one the vehicle, as the couch", the "chair", the "table in the round, the "stage" of the therapeutic theatre, the open field, etc.; and two, the instructions as to how to behave in reference to the vehicle. Broadly speaking, there are two tendencies, to work within a specific format or to work without it-being indifferent to or even negating it.