Treating Schizophrenic Episodes of Korean-American Cases: Transitioning from Interpretation to Contact Function through Modern Psychoanalytic Theories and Techniques



By Benedict Sungho Kim, Ph.D., LP



Abstract

Based on Freud’s theories, Hyman Spotnitz developed a theory of technique which enabled modern analysts to work with preverbal disorders by using interventions to help unlock resistances to aggression. Prior to this discovery, psychoanalysis wasn’t deemed helpful in the treatment of severely disturbed patients.



This paper will compare the use of an interpretation-orientated psychoanalytic approach to the use of a modern psychoanalytic approach in working with Korean-American schizophrenics. The focus will demonstrate that what may be of interest to the analyst may not always be helpful to the patient and that the failure to use contact function may result in schizophrenic regression. The use of emotional communication versus intellectual communication is shown to restore damaged ego function and to help resolve the narcissistic defense.



Further exploration will illustrate how modern psychoanalysis enables Korean-American schizophrenics to be more responsive to the analyst-patient’s relational working alliance in comparison to staying neutral with an interpretation-oriented approach. This paper also shows how modern psychoanalysis is well suited in meeting the emotional needs of Asians.