Composite Subjectivities

Intersubjectivity is about the sharing of subjective states by two or more individuals. The intersubjective unconscious relationship between two people (as described by therapist and client relationship) is explained by Ogden

Thomas H. Ogden (1999), discusses his notion of an 'analytic third' and explains that

"I view the intersubjective analytic third as an ever-changing unconscious third subject (more verb than noun) which powerfully contributes to the structure of the analytic relationship. The analytic third is at first almost entirely an unconscious phenomenon. Since the unconscious, by definition, cannot be invaded on the wings of the brute force of will, the analyst and analysand must use indirect (associational) methods to "catch the drift" (Freud, 1923/1955, p.115) of the unconscious co-creation."

So in the initial stages of relational unconscious space between clinet and therapist both subjectivities are somehow combining or dancing in supposedly a productive interplay. The composite subjectivities might look something like this.

The Client's Subjectivity

The Therapist's Subjectivity

The Composite Subjectivities

My thinking and question is, how do we know that the two subjectivities are interplaying or dancing with each other or in fact combining in a composite form and therfore constantly shape shifting depending on the therapist and client's unconscious process? What really does go on in the intersubjective unconscious space? The therapist uses her skills to sense what is going on for her in relation to the client and might say openly; " I sense that the stripey nature between us at the moment." Perhaps the client may process the situation and sense "my feelings about the relationship allow my stripiness and I feel its ok to place them with the therapist".

The Relational Therapist may define verbally or silently, something that is not visible or tangible in the relationship with the client. The therapist allows the relationship to explore what goes on between them. Over time the client may benefit through the strength, understanding, solidarity and empathy found in the intersubjective relational unconscious.

The two subjectivities in composite is one theory perhaps however there may be limitless ways the intersubjective relational unconscious's actually work together.

Also see http://kenoath.wordpress.com/2008/01/07/relational-composite/ for a different view.

Kenoath