Further thoughts on an experiential psychoanalytic approach to the Rorschach

Abstract On the basis of the work of Schachtel and Mayman, the author previously outlined an experiential approach to the Rorschach that differed from both an empirical approach and a more classic psychoanalytic approach originally proposed by Rapaport. Herein, the author further describes that approach by focusing on the person of the assessor as he or she goes about interpreting a protocol. Borrowing from the treatment literature, the author discusses the processes involved, including the need to immerse oneself in the raw data, the internal split between the experiencing self and the observing self, and the role of empathy and reflection.