On Psychoanalysis
Phillips constantly refuses to “claim” any particular patch of psychoanalytic territory or even defend the value of psychoanalysis itself. “For me”, he has said, “psychoanalysis is only one among many things you might do if you're feeling unwell - you might also try aromatherapy, knitting, hang-gliding. There are lots of things you can do with your distress. I don't believe psychoanalysis is the best thing you can do, even if I value it a great deal.” He has also been alert to the possibility that "psychoanalysis...disempowers in the name of knowing what's best...at its worst it forces a pattern. It can make the links that should have been left to find their own way." In the end, he claims, "Psychoanalysis cannot enable the patient to know what he wants, but only to risk finding out."
On psychoanalysis and science he says, "I don't think psychoanalysts should have bought into the scientific model with such eagerness. I don't think psychoanalysis is a science or should aspire to be one."
Read more about this topic: Adam Phillips (psychologist)