The Interpsychic: A Leading Actor in Interpersonal Relationships and in the Psychoanalytic Scene

Freud's scientific model of reference is related to a linear, deterministic rationality, which adopts a homeostatic, stable system concept. Over the last few decades, Psychoanalysis, like all sciences, has approached the theory of Complex Systems, recognising its strong innovative impact for the study and understanding not only of psychic phenomena in the relationship between mind and body, but also of what happens in the psychoanalytic process. The aim of this contribution is to present the concept of the interpsychic, proposed by the Italian psychoanalyst Stefano Bolognini. This notion can be considered of some relevance with a view to contributing to a reflection on possible convergences between Psychoanalysis and Complex Systems. This concept, developed on the basis of clinical observation of phenomena occurring during psychoanalytic treatment, concerns all human relationships and refers to fundamental physiological processes. In addition, possibilities are being explored to extend the research and clinical use to other areas, such as the developmental age, groups and institutions. This topic undoubtedly requires a more articulated theoretical reflection, which is beyond the scope of this work. It aims to show, through a clinical case and with evocative language, how the interpsychic can be considered a significant protagonist or agent of change in the analytical scene, where complex dynamic interactions, even unpredictable ones, take place.