I would like to comment on ideas introduced in Chapter 28-3. To facilitate the understanding of this theme, let me provide an example from "the loop of help" in The Integration Theory of Psychoanalysis. The psychodynamics (the path of neural transmissions) within the loop of help are as follows: "weak self → idealized object → weak object → grandiose self → weak self." In other words, these psychodynamics are composed of two units: "weak self−idealized object" and "weak object−grandiose self."
The formation of the former requires the experience of being enraptured. These processes are intersubjective therapeutic experiences. In contrast, the formation of the latter requires that patients are able to notice their therapist's limitations (weaknesses). These processes are therapeutic experiences within the "relationships between the two." It is necessary to comprehend both viewpoints regarding the intersubjective and relational
theories in order to form the loop of help.

  Both the intersubjective and relational theories are practical theories intending to break from classical psychoanalysis. Their motives are quite easy to understand. However, I have the impression that they are out offocus. For example, take up the following question,"What is a person made to eat and how?" The first issue is "what is a person made to eat," and the second issue is "how is a person made to eat." In this instance, "what" corresponds to the loop of help, and "how" corresponds to the intersubjective
and relational theories. Therefore, these theories are merely secondary. Given that the intersubjective and relational theories are considered primary, I receive the impression that these theories are out of focus. Even if these theories do break from classical psychoanalysis, the mind has yet to be elucidated (without The Integration Theory of Psychoanalysis). Elucidating mechanisms of the mind under present conditions is most important. Elaborating on unknown content is like wandering about aimlessly. In other
words, it is a matter of necessity to understand The Integration Theory of Psychoanalysis. After grasping the mechanisms of the mind on the basis of this understanding, the next step is to decide whether the intersubjective or relational theory should be used.


                                                            New Science of Mind (2)