A Conversation With
Steven Kuchuck

Steven Kuchuck’s The Relational Revolution in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy introduces one of the most exciting and still relatively new perspectives in psychoanalysis – The Relational Approach. In this concise yet wide-ranging book, Kuchuck addresses core theories and more recent, cutting-edge trends within relational psychoanalysis.

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He eloquently describes universal characteristics in Relational psychoanalysis such as dialectical movement between the intrapsychic and interpersonal, intersubjectivity, the analyst's subjectivity, multiple selves, self-disclosure, enactment, dissociation, and trauma. All theoretical material is illustrated with clinical examples.

What feels most radical about Kuchuck's writings is the tone of sincerity in which he talks to his readers. He speaks freely on his vulnerability, needs, and desires as a therapist. This is not common even within the relational milieu.  He openly discusses the therapist's need to be loved by his patients without disguising it as 'transference love': "How can love not affect narcissistic supplies and stir our narcissistic needs?" he asks.

And yet, he always encourages analysts to reflect on their deep motivation to self-disclose. In his paper "Do ask, Do tell" (2009), he describes one of his patients, a married man who does not want kids, who want to know if Kuchuck has children but wants him to tell him only if he does not. Kuchuck hesitates but eventually decides not to share this information. With another patient whose mother in some way resembles Kuchuck's mother, Kuchuck is engaged in what he terms 'silent disclosure.'

Instead of deliberately telling the patient about his mother, he thinks about her and feels sad. The direct impact is that the therapist and patient feel connected again.

Steve Kuchuck, together with Aner Govrin and Sharon Ziv Beiman, will engage in a live dialogue about questions like Is the relational approach a sensibility or a technique? Related, what are the challenges inherent in defining and learning relational psychoanalysis? What does it mean to work relationally? We will also consider the impact of The MeToo movement and pandemic on patients and therapists, and relational perspectives on enactment.