The Importance of Love in Binswanger's Clinical Practice

Abstract

Objetive: this article aims to reflect, through a theoretical study, on the way in which the tonality of love is present in the psychiatric clinic of Ludwig Binswanger. the text, at first, presents the way in which romantic thought and the philosophical atmosphere of the first half of the 20th century seek in some way to centralize the affective question, to the detriment of the exclusive emphasis on reason - imposed by the enlightenment movement. such a philosophical shift seems to support the Binswangerian enterprise in the way that the swiss psychiatrist prioritizes the tonality of love in terms of its healing capacity. From the analysis of three cases —ellen West, ilse and suzanne urban— it is demonstrated how Binswanger unfolds the theme of love, as well as its therapeutic consequences. From this point of view, it is indicated that, in the theme of love, Binswanger remains with some gaps in the way of his therapeutic action and in the consequences of his actions. Conclusions: the article concludes that Binswanger's relationship with the theme of love is part of the patient's attempt to welcome and accept the other as a dimension of radical otherness and this in his relationship with the resumption of community life. this constitutes the telos of Binswanger's psychotherapy.