Resistance viewed from different perspectives.

One of the most dramatic shifts in the practice and theory of psychotherapy during the past two decades is the proliferation of many theoretical perspectives and the increased popularity of many treatment modalities. Although mainstream Freudian analysis is far from dead-its concepts and constructs continue to influence most contemporary therapists in many ways-self psychology, object relations, and numerous other "schools" are having a strong impact on us as we continue to define and redefine our roles in the therapeutic situation, and as we organize and reorganize our dynamic understanding of our patients. For many decades, long-term intensive treatment was the treatment of choice in most therapeutic settings, private and public. This situation has changed drastically, whereby short-term treatment is fast becoming the therapy of choice in many sectors. Managed care, a given in the practice of most clinicians, is certainly influencing this trend. As the unit of diagnostic understanding has become continually enlarged during the last twenty five years, the clinician's therapeutic armamentarium has also expanded. Many of us, in addition to treating individuals, are working with couples, families, groups, and larger units such as wards in a mental hospital. Different theoretical perspectives and modalities have their champions and denouncers. No sooner is a particular therapeutic modus operandi being praised, than the next day we hear that someone wants to bury it. Adherents to different points of view about theory and practice frequently appear like members of warring political parties who are out to defeat each other, rather than understand and learn from each. Often the different schools of thought and practice can also appear like religious cults that take the position that anyone who does not endorse the law of the land is an infidel who deserves nothing but contempt and rejection! More heat than light is often generated when different theoretical perspectives and practice modalities are discussed among colleagues. Consequently, many of us have wanted to discover a means of discussing therapeutic issues whereby the concepts and therapeutic practices would be the sole focus. This Special Section on Resistance is an attempt to implement this wish. One way that therapists from different persuasions can learn from, and about, each other is to choose one concept they all use and try to find out how the concept is explained and utilized by each. With very few exceptions, clinicians utilize the notion of resistance in their conceptualizations and therapeutic interventions. Therefore, in this Special Section we have the unique opportunity to see how recognized experts discuss and implement the notion of resistance in their practices. Although we leave it to you, dear reader, to discover the similarities and differences that emerge from the authors' presentations, a few observations are in order that may serve as an aid in organizing yourself for the upcoming journey. Despite the differing allegiances and biases, all of the writers in this Special Section endorse the concept of resistance and see its purposes similarly: 1. …