Toward a Unified Psychoanalytic Theory - Morris N. Eagle dialogues with Nancy McWilliams

In this webinar presented by Synapsis, Morris N. Eagle and Nancy McWilliams discuss the foundations of a revised and expanded ego psychology. The occasion is Eagle’s book Toward a Unified Psychoanalytic Theory. Foundation in a Revised and Expanded Ego Psychology (London: Routledge, 2021), recently translated into Italian (as Verso una teoria psicoanalitica unificata fondata su una Psicologia dell’Io riveduta e ampliata) by Raffaello Cortina publisher of Milan and edited by Paolo Migone.
A revised and expanded ego psychology represents the most solid basis for a unified theory of the mind and also for its integration with advances in other disciplines. Among the areas in which ego psychology requires revision are the recognition of the role of object relations in the development of ego functions, the relative autonomy of object relations from drives, an adequate explanation of interpersonal understanding, and a coherent theory of affects with recognition of their motivational role. The implications of a revised and expanded ego psychology for the conception of psychopathology and treatment are also discussed in the volume as well as in the dialogue between Morris N. Eagle and Nancy McWilliams.
The aim of the book as well as of the dialogue between the two American psychoanalysts is to integrate the approaches of different schools and the most relevant results of empirical research into a general theory of the mind based on psychoanalytic foundations.
One of the main theses of Eagle’s book is the suitability of an ego psychology as the most solid foundation not only for the formulation of a unified psychoanalytic theory, but also for the integration of the most relevant research data from other disciplines.
In a rigorous yet accessible manner, the basic principles of ego psychology and the revisions and corrections that would need to be made to them are outlined. Research and theories on interpersonal understanding, the capacity for inhibition, defense, delay of gratification, autonomous ego motivations, affect regulation, the nature of psychopathology, and implications for treatment approaches are also examined.

[@bellakrinkle9381]

To be honest, this presentation is disappointing. I wonder if any of you have been transformed through your personal analysis. I think not, and I speak from my Experiential, personal, self analysis. How do I know that I am not the woman I was 20 years ago? I've self secluded these last 10 years, dropping all personal friends so that I could focus on understanding my dysfunctional childhood. I have done that, and now when I think of re-engaging with old friends, I realize that I would not know how to interact with any of them. We have absolutely nothing in common. Then, I thought to myself, that if I were to contact them, I would only feel comfortable if I could introduce myself as someone who they never knew. I'm a completely transformed woman. After a resolved analysis, your patients/clients/analysands would feel the same - like a new form of their former selves. I've decided not to reconnect with former friends and acquaintances. What would be the point? And, of course, the same goes for my niece and nephews; they all believe me to be nuts. Such is life. Somehow, I must make new friends. Sadly, I cannot find others, even through the internet, who have been transformed from their psychoanalytic process. If you know some, please direct them my way. Pease retool your profession so that treatment can transform the lives of individuals. I was hoping to find a glimmer of hope. You did not scratch the surface. Kirstin Strand.

[@aleksandrkiriushin6420]

Yeah, looks like this world doesn't suit well to people without many addictions and co-dependencies. Who is Kirstin Strand? I mean is it a quote? This name sounds swedish.