Psychoanalysis: A Thing of the Past? (4 Letters) — Letters that should have been in the new york times

SEPT. 16, 2007

To the Editor:

Re “Patching Up the Frayed Couch” (Sept. 9):

It is not only psychoanalysis, but all intensive psychotherapies that have become less popular in contemporary culture. This is due, in part, to the introduction of alternative therapies like drug therapy and cognitive behavior therapy. But there is also a devaluation of time and an overemphasis on speed and efficiency that discourage many people who are in need from engaging in a deeply introspective process.

A competent and empathic therapist or analyst gives his patient time and attention uninterrupted by the intrusions of beepers, cellphones, BlackBerries and the like. How common is it these days for two people to engage in a meaningful and deep conversation for 45 minutes without such intrusions?

Larry S. Sandberg, M.D.