CURRENT WAR AND ITS IMPACT ON THE THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP

Abstract

The article is devoted to the impact of the current war on therapeutic relationships, as well as to the study of the processes associated with this impact. The Introduction analyzes the self-disclosure and silence of analysts in social networks. In particular, the question is raised as to how the value and emotional exposure of psychoanalysts affects the inversion of relationships. The silence and lack of an open position are explored as generating mistrust and danger during wartime. The purpose of the article is to focus on the subject, particularly on the analysis of the therapeutic relationship during a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. The main material is devoted to several therapeutic phenomena that are caused by war or its consequences. Among them are professional burnout, overexertion of feelings of guilt, mental regression of the therapeutic couple, destruction of the instance of ego and superego. Particular attention is devoted to the discussion of shame and guilt in connection with military actions and the feelings of helplessness caused by them. The article also examines the transformation of the therapist into a figure of care and the circulation of power in the therapeutic relationship. The author also reflects on the regression of the therapeutic couple, the holiday of disobedience and the diminishing role of the couple’s observing ego. The revision of ego-ideals and Ideal-ego in connection with the war, which triggers internal processes of destruction of the superego, helps to find out how the ego is deprived of mental resources, becomes unable to fulfill its formative functions and maintain internal boundaries. Attention is also devoted to the discussion of the therapist’s public position and its impact on the further development of the therapeutic relationship and the phenomenon of transference. The prospects and changes in psychotherapeutic relationships are analyzed separately. According to the author, they will become more human and open in the future. This style of therapeutic relationship will help all participants in a psychotherapeutic setting to compensate for the blow to human dignity that the enemy troops and their propaganda tried to carry out.