New Dimensions of Deep Analysis

Originally published in 1954, New Dimensions of Deep Analysis was a systematic attempt at integrating facts which were once misrepresented as “occult” into the framework of modern dynamic psychiatry. Defining the concepts and criteria of so-called telepathic (or psi) phenomena, Dr Ehrenwald bases his discussion on a detailed analysis of a series of telepathic dreams observed in the psychoanalytic situation. These observations indicated that telepathy between analyst and patient, between mother and child – and in interpersonal relationships in general – was far more frequent and of much greater significance than was generally allowed for. Indeed, its very occurrence – described by the author as telepathic leakage – called for a revision and restatement of some of the classical propositions of psychoanalytic theory and practice, similar to that which had become necessary in the field of modern theoretical physics nearly half a century before. He redefines personality as an open versus a closed system made up of a three-fold stratification of ego-, id- and psi-levels. In his outline of what he describes as three-level therapy he tries to apply these concepts to the doctor-patient relationship and to come to grips with the magic element involved in the therapeutic process in accordance with established psychodynamic principles. Today it can be read in its historical context.