Empathy

Empathic Applications in Psychoanalysis

	by Theresa M. Kelly, MsD
	Professor of Scientific Parapsychology, Researcher, Technical Author

Empathy is the psychical influence of emotion via experient influence over the emotional basis of consciousness and the mental and physiological processes associated with a wide variety of emotional experiences.

Psychoanalysis involves a body of ideas and is primarily devoted to the study of human psychological functioning and behavior. The three main components of psychoanalysis include:

1. A method of investigation of the mind and the way in which one thinks.
2. A systemized set of theories in regards to human behavior.
3. A method of treatment of psychological or emotional illness.

In regards to the first component, empathic cognitives and simulators will excel in investigative efforts due to their innate psychical ability to investigate into the emotional experiences of other human beings, individually or collectively.

Through psychoanalysis, the empathist can utilize their psychical ability to peer into (empathic cognition), or personally experience (empathic simulation), the patient’s emotional experiences, and in some cases, acquire enough emotional information to reveal unconscious conflicts causing a patient’s symptoms and character problems.

In regards to the second component, theoretical orientations and interpretations in regards to human emotions, behavior, and development vary, as there are several theories associated with psychoanalysis. Major psychoanalytic theories can be grouped into many theoretical schools (e.g. topographic theory, structural theory, etc.).  

After the analyst has investigated the mental and emotional state of the client or patient, the analyst then interprets the information for the client or patient to create insight for a resolution of the conflict. Such interpretations typically lead to the patient (with the assistance of the psychoanalyst) confronting and clarifying the patient’s pathological defenses, wishes, and feelings of guilt.

In regards to empathic analysts, it is through empathic skill and the analysis of conflicts that an analyst can clarify how a patient’s emotions are negatively affecting the patient and decide on a form of treatment. In regards to the third and final component, approaches in treatment vary based on the phenomenology of empathy, theoretical orientation, and the problem requiring treatment.

The most common problems treatable with psychoanalysis include phobias, conversions, compulsions, obsessions, anxiety attacks, depressions, sexual dysfunctions, a variety of relationship issues (e.g. dating and marital issues), and a variety of character issues (e.g. shyness, meanness, obnoxiousness, workaholism, hyperdeductiveness, hyperemotionality, hyperfastidiousness, etc). Overall, empathic cognitives and simulators will benefit the most from psychoanalytical applications.

Source

(Adapted from the book “Empathy: A Quantum Approach - The Psychical Influence of Emotion” by Theresa M. Kelly, MsD.)

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