Hello, I am João Barros, psychoanalyst and writer. Today we will explore a fascinating theme: the role of “acting out” in transfer and setting during psychoanalytic therapy. “Acting Out” is an expression that describes when someone acts impulsively or uncontrollably, often as a result of repressed emotions or internal conflicts. This can happen in any context, from personal relationships to professional situations.
What is “Acting Out”?
To better understand the role of “acting out”, we must first define what it means in the psychoanalytic context. “Acting out” occurs when an individual externalizes his feelings, desires, or conflicts through actions rather than openly discussing them or reflecting on them internally. This can be a form of nonverbal communication, where actions speak louder than words.
A simple example is when someone is annoyed by a friend, but instead of discussing the problem, decides to ignore that person or do something to “take revenge.” In this case, the action (ignoring or avenging) is a form of “acting out” of the feeling of anger.
Transfer paper
Transfer is a fundamental concept inpsychoanalysiswhich refers to the patient’s tendency of redirects his feelings, desires or conflicts regarding important figures of his past to the therapist. Acting out can play a significant role in this process.
When a patient acts impulsively within the therapy session or outside it, as a reaction to therapeutic dynamics, this can be seen as a manifestation of “acting out”. For example, if a patient begins to be late at sessions after discussing a difficult theme, this behavior can be a form of “acted out” of resistance to the therapeutic process or feelings in relation to the therapist.
Implications on Therapeutic Setting
Therapeutic setting refers to the environment and rules established in therapy, including the frequency of sessions, the place, the therapist’s posture, etc. Acting out can significantly affect this setting, challenging the boundaries and established limits.
For example, a patient who insists on calling the therapist outside session time or trying to find ways to contact the therapist personally may be “acting out” feelings of dependence or need for attention. The therapist needs to handle these situations carefully, reinforcing the boundaries while maintaining empathy and space for the patient to explore these feelings.
Therapeutic management of “acting out”
The therapeutic management of “acting out” involves recognizing these behaviors as a form of communication and an indicator of underlying emotional processes. The therapist should create a safe and non -judging environment where the patient feels comfortable exploring the reasons behind his behaviors.
This may include interpretation of the patient’s acts as a symbolic expression of repressed conflicts or desires. The therapist must also be aware of his own reactions (counterransference) so as not to be carried away by impulsive responses and instead use these perceptions to deepen the patient’s understanding.
In addition, it is crucial for the therapist to be prepared to establish clear and consistent limits without being punitive or rejecting. This helps to create a sense of safety and structure for the patient, allowing him to explore his emotions more healthily.
In short, “acting out” is a powerful tool in psychoanalytic therapy, offering a window to the patient’s unconscious emotional processes. By understanding and working with these behaviors, both in the context of transfer and therapeutic setting, the therapist can help the patient gain valuable insights on himself and develop more effective coping mechanisms.
I hope this exploration of the “acting out” was illuminating. Remember, psychoanalysis is a personal journey of discovery, and understanding these concepts can help us sail better by our own emotions and relationships.
