The instinctual visceral mother: Theoretical investigation of mother's body in depth psychology.

摘要

This hermeneutic autoethnographic research of mother's body illuminated specific meanings of the instinctual visceral mother in depth psychology. The terms visceral and instinctual were chosen to capture the innate physical and emotional experiences of mothering that are primarily bodily rather than conscious. Because the child's primary experience with their maternal caregiver is through their body, this research is important in clinical psychology in order to identify best practices towards healing primary traumas that require healing within the psychotherapeutic relationship. This theoretical research reviewed texts that explored views of the instinctual visceral mother in psychology, philosophy, mythology, feminism, Eastern body-centered practices, and personal dream sequences. Three qualities of the instinctual visceral mother were chosen to be investigated in depth: maternal holding, maternal symbiosis and the sacred feral self. These maternal actions of holding, symbiosis and the sacred feral self create a safe and secure environment that fosters bonding and growth in both childrearing and in the therapeutic alliance. This theoretical research furthers best practices in clinical psychology regarding the instinctual physical and emotional dilemmas between client and clinician within the psychotherapeutic relationship and in specific maternal transferences.