ABSTRACT
Interpersonal psychoanalysis is underpinned by certain core principles but it cannot be pinned down. It defies singular definition, yet speaks to many therapists in uniquely meaningful ways. This chapter covers ideas and approaches from the Interpersonal orientation that I find most useful, special, and exciting. I will begin with key ideas that serve as the foundation for later, more specific applications of Interpersonal concepts. One such foundational idea is the assumption of participant observation, which is the understanding that as therapists we influence what we observe. I will discuss how this basic idea evolved into the understanding that one cannot not interact with one’s patient—that is, that the observing participation runs both ways and that analyst and patient are constantly acting on one another. This understanding necessarily changes our conception of the role of the analyst in the clinical encounter. I will also discuss how Interpersonalists conceive of the analyst as ‘riding a wave’ rather than ‘steering a ship’ in the consulting room. Next, I will acquaint you with one of the most well-known products of the Interpersonal orientation: the detailed inquiry. Following this review of core ideas will be key implications of an Interpersonal approach, such as the importance of psychoanalytic humility and the natural fit between Interpersonal psychoanalysis and multicultural competence. This chapter will conclude with an examination of some limitations of the Interpersonal approach and the benefits of integrating its ideas with those of other theoretical orientations.
