Relational Concepts in Psychoanalysis: An Integration

by Stephen A. Mitchell

There are more psychoanalytic theories today than anyone knows what to do with, and the heterogeneity and complexity of the entire body of psychoanalytic though have become staggering. In Relational Concepts in Psychoanalysis , Stephen A. Mitchell weaves strands from the principal relational-model traditions (interpersonal psychoanalysis, British school object-relations theories, self psychology, and existential psychoanalysis) into a comprehensive approach to many of the knottiest problems and controversies in theoretical and clinical psychoanalysis.

Mitchell’s earlier book, Object Relations in Psychoanalytic Theory , co-authored with Jay Greenberg, set the stage for this current integration by providing a broad comparative analysis of important thinking on the nature of human relationships. In that classic study Greenberg and Mitchell distinguished between two basic paradigms: the drive model, in which relations with others are generated and shaped by the need for drive gratifications, and various relational models, in which relations themselves are taken as primary and irreducible. In Relational Concepts in Psychoanalysis , Mitchell argues that the drive model has since outlived its usefulness. The relational model, on the other hand, has been developed piecemeal by different authors who rarely acknowledge and explore the commonality of their assumptions or the rich complementarity of their perspectives.

In this bold effort at integrative theorizing, Mitchell draws together major lines of relational-model traditions into a unified framework for psychoanalytic thought, more economical than the anachronistic drive model and more inclusive than any of the singular relational approaches to the core significance of sexuality, the impact of early experience, the relation of the past to the present, the interpenetration of illusion and actuality, the centrality of the will, the repetition of painful experience, the nature of analytic situation, and the process of analytic change. As such, his book will be required reading for psychoanalytic scholars, practitioners, candidates in psychoanalysis, and students in the field.

Genres: Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Nonfiction

326 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 1988

Reviews

[jrendocrine at least reading is good · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve gone down an analytic rabbit hole (a small one, but a rabbit hole nonetheless) lately, and someone I follow on GR awarded Mitchell's 1988 book 5 exhilarated !! stars. I ordered it up from the university library and, 2 months later, I’m moderately illuminated.

This is not to say I understood it - nor would recommend it to anyone - because it is challenging, especially if you didn’t study psychology. I didn’t (study it,) but I grew up surrounded by old fashioned practitioners of analysis who were very likely promulgating classic Freudian drive theory. I know that analysts have progressed much beyond Freud, though have they entirely rejected his thoughts? Anyway, here was a chance to learn about developmental /relational analysis, with lots of names that I vaguely recognized (Winnicott, Kohut for instance). Mitchell merges drive theory with relational analysis – discussing both in great detail with lots of examples. He suggests that an analysis should best utilize both, moving backwards and forwards (inside and out) through both models.

Of the analysands Mitchell discusses - these are very troubled people - so it's a little hard to apply any of these theories to myself or friends. (good thing I guess). I wonder if during analysis, the more functional people just let themselves go a wee bit cuckoo to be able to discuss all their weird boring dreams.

OK, it would be generous to say that I “got” 20% of what was discussed. I have recently listened to Stephen Grosz Love’s Labor and wonder if he and the people he meets at meetings are practicing a form of Mitchell's integrative model. It would be interesting to know what practice is taught now in 2026.

Overall a challenging and amusing read.

[Morgan Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m utterly blown away by this book.

FUCK ME RUNNING!

Words fail.

I want to write a great review of it.

I really should.

But again.

Words fail.

SO FUCK IT!

5/5 SUPER STARS 🌟

[Beyza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her bölümü ayrı güzeldi ama "Devamlılık ve Değişim" bölümünden ne kadar keyif aldığımı anlatamam. Yazar, kitap boyunca, psikanalitik teorilerin birbirleriyle benzer veya birbirlerinden farklı oldukları noktaları, bana psikanaliz sürecini hatırlatan bir sıralamada derinlemesine inceliyor. Hem bildiklerimi pekiştirdiğim, hem de üzerine birsürü şey öğrendiğim bir kitap oldu. Bu kitabı Türkçe'ye kazandırdıkları için İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi Yayınları'na ve muhteşem çevirileri için Gülenbaht Algaç ve İrem Anlı'ya teşekkürlerimle...

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my completely biased opinion, Relational Psychoanalysis is where it's at, y'all.

I know you came here for this kind of exhaustive, balanced critique. You're welcome.

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the advent of Allan Schore's work, this book seems simple and slightly out of touch with current thought. However, from a purely psychoanalytic frame, it certainly offers plenty for thought. Stephen's clear writing style and ability to delineate different theories and the implicit contradictions between them as well as useful and lively modes of moving forward, offer a lot of food for thought and ways of thinking about analysis and interpersonal relationships.

[Blaze-Pascal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had trouble reading this as a Lacanian... there are a lot of things I have to buy before I can really read it... I'll probably come back to it if I ever go to a relational conference or something.

[Alejandro Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

me he enterado de bastante