Case Presentation:
Amputee formerly an engineer seeking work. Very charming, talkative. Begins sessions over the phone with: “I need a wife, how can I get a wife? Will you marry me?” therapist gives operational help about what to do to look for a job. Comes back with same complaint: I’m lonely, want to get married.”
Operational vs Existential solutions to problems — tragic medical circumstances as self-confirmation — victimization — vengeance— possibility of healing existentially—detailed description of hidden thoughts as the source of suffering—possibility of healing—3 R’s of Metapsychiatry — While the patient is looking for operational solution – therapist is aware of the need for existential solutions.