Papers by Valeria Bizzari
Tra il Visibile e l'Invisibile. Tentativo di abbozzo di una fenomenologia del sogno (Between the ... more Tra il Visibile e l'Invisibile. Tentativo di abbozzo di una fenomenologia del sogno (Between the Visible and the Invisible: An Attempt at a Phenomenology of Dreams)
Boubil, E., Ferrarello, S. (Eds.). The Vulnerability of the Human World, Springer, 2023
Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, 2023
Guided by a phenomenological perspective, this paper aims to account for the existence of a corpo... more Guided by a phenomenological perspective, this paper aims to account for the existence of a corporeal consciousness-something that clinicians should take into account, not merely in the case of physical pathologies but especially in the case of mental pathologies. Firstly, I will highlight three cases: schizophrenia, depression and autism spectrum disorder. Then, I will show how these cases correspond to three different kinds of bodily existence: disembodiment (in the case of schizophrenia), chrematization (in melancholic depression), and dyssynchrony (in the autism spectrum disorder). Finally, I will argue for the importance of an "expressive common environment" between the patient and the clinician, who are two distinct, embodied conscious subjects resonating with one another. In this view, the primary goal of the therapeutic process seems to develop a shared understanding of the illness's meaning and the patient's lifeworld, which finds its main expression through the disrupted body.
The Humanistic Psychologist, 2022
The overarching aim of this contribution is to show how there are many elements in the making... more The overarching aim of this contribution is to show how there are many elements in the making of a psychiatric diagnosis that are not confined to the nature of the "disease"-a topic that would require another work in order to be properly clarified-but rather that are grounded in the historical context and social elements. The circular and mutual influences of these elements contribute to forge certain epistemological frameworks that legitimize the use of certain diagnostic categories. This essay is divided into three sections. In the first section, we highlight how the notion of psychiatric diagnosis needs to be considered in light of some specific epistemological assumptions that deal both with theoretical principles, never mentioned in the most used diagnostic manuals, and with power relations. In the second section, we analyze the role of collective emotions in the making of a diagnosis and particularly their political implications. In the third section, we provide a historical and epistemological analysis of the birth of Asperger's syndrome, highlighting the role of collective emotions and their ideological impact on this diagnosis. Public Significance Statement Our paper explains how the process of diagnosis may be shaped by historical and political mechanisms and by social values, impacting our life as individuals and as members of a community. Diagnosis has in fact the power to favor the stigma towards the people who receive it, to label us and influence our relation to the social world.
Introduction: The paper's main aim is to analyze the theme of psychotherapy which, during the mon... more Introduction: The paper's main aim is to analyze the theme of psychotherapy which, during the months of lockdown, has undergone a considerable transformation, as it moved, in many cases, to the virtual modality. The scarce literature on this subject is divided between those who maintain that the screen establishes a relational distance (Disengagement theory) between the patient and the therapist and those who instead consider it an element that stimulates and facilitates communication (Stimulation theory). Method: Utilizing a qualitative and phenomenological interview, which allowed me to collect the testimonies of therapists and patients, I will try to understand if and how the fundamental components of psychotherapy and clinical encounter have changed. Results: I will describe how the lack of bodily resonance affects psychotherapy and emphasize the centrality of often-underestimated elements such as atmosphere and setting. Conclusion: I will finally argue that what is missing is indeed an embodied trust which, in my view, is necessary for a successful therapeutic relationship.
Atmospheres and Shared Emotions, 2021
Questo articolo presenta un breve excursus storico sulla figura di George Frankl, che nella prima... more Questo articolo presenta un breve excursus storico sulla figura di George Frankl, che nella prima metà del Novecento collaborò con quelli che sono classicamente considerati gli scienziati che identificarono l'autismo: Hans Asperger e Leo Kanner. Frankl lasciò indubbiamente un segno nel lavoro di Asperger prima di fuggire da Vienna nel 1937. Lavorò con Kanner a Baltimora e lo psichiatra, al contrario del suo collega viennese, non rin-negò mai l'influsso del lavoro di Frankl sulla propria ricerca. L'interessamento di George Frankl verso i disturbi del contatto affettivo, terminologia poi caduta in disuso grazie alla maggior fortuna del termine autismo, poneva basi di grande interesse per la ricerca e la pratica clinica. Per queste ragioni, dopo più di settant'anni l'autore di questo scritto ha curato la prima edizione di un manoscritto di Frankl rimasto finora inedito, nella speranza che questo contribuisca a ridare a George Frankl il proprio posto nella storia dell'autismo.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2020
This paper aims to propose that the psychiatrist George Frankl had more than a marginal role in t... more This paper aims to propose that the psychiatrist George Frankl had more than a marginal role in the early history of autism. Frankl's conception of autism as characterized by a lack of affective language has influenced both Asperger and Kanner. First, this proposal is historically supported; second it is corroborated by Frankl's unpublished manuscript on Autism. We found that Frankl's perspective about autism was, and still can be, considered innovative for multiple reasons. Specifically, Frankl proposed that autism could cover a spectrum of conditions; that it is a state of mind that is not necessarily abnormal; and that it is a neurobiological condition, which primarily needs to be understood by others. Finally, Frankl's concepts of affective contact and affective language are reconsidered with reference to contemporary neuropsychology from which autism emerges not as a higher-order cognitive deficit, but as a result of an impairment of primordial ability to process low level sensory, motor and perceptual information gained through experiencing other persons.
Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, 2020
Englebert, J., Cormann, G., Adam, C. (eds.) 2019. Psychopathologie Phénoménologique. Dépassement et ouverture. Volume 2, Le Cercle Hermeneutique, pp.107-121., 2019
Après avoir brièvement résumé le débat contemporain sur l'intersubjectivité, je soulignerai l'imp... more Après avoir brièvement résumé le débat contemporain sur l'intersubjectivité, je soulignerai l'impo-rtance du corps vivant dans le développement de notre compréhension de l'altérité, et je montrerai comment la phénoménologie, avec sa conception de l'intersubjectivité et son riche vocabulaire, est utile pour l'analyse de l'autisme, aussi bien de bas que de haut niveau. En particulier, je mettrai l'accent sur le rôle de la corporéité dans l'autisme de bas niveau, et je prendrai en compte le do-maine de l'intentionnalité collective dans le syndrome d'Asperger. Ce sera utile pour faire la différence entre les deux formes de l'autisme et comprendre le fonctionnement (ou non) de la sociabilité dans ces bouleversements.
Aurora Journal, 2019
In this paper, drawing on phenomenological and clinical literature, we will describe shame as a r... more In this paper, drawing on phenomenological and clinical literature, we will describe shame as a resonant emotion where the subjects involved are intertwined with one another thanks to two pre-reflective features of selfhood: embodiment and common sense. Furthermore, we will pay particular attention to the notion of intercorporeality, as it reflects the fact that our self, since birth, is essentially relational and embodied. In doing so, we will use the case of autism spectrum disorder as a paradigmatic situation and we will claim that the difficulties experienced by autistic subjects in feeling shame (and other complex emotions) are primarily due to the lack or the impairments in the domains of intercorporeality and common sense. In this view, shame reveals its complex nature and it is synonymous with a bodily and essentially relational emotion.
Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 16, 4, 127-132;, 2019
Thaumàzein, 6, pp.158-179, 2018
In this paper, I argue that the real limitation of Asperger’s subjects lies in intercorporeality ... more In this paper, I argue that the real limitation of Asperger’s subjects lies in intercorporeality and interaffectivity, that is, in the pre-reflective, intersubjective engagement with others. I begin by first drawing on the work of the psychiatrist Georg Frankl, and I describe this engagement in terms of “affective language” and “affective contact”. In the second part of the paper I emphasize how Frankl’s account can be coherent with a phenomenological perspective on sociality. In closing I propose a therapeutic technique aimed at strengthening the intercorporeal, affective abilities of the subjects.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 2019
In this paper, as part of our empathy series, we will introduce the notion of empathy and attempt... more In this paper, as part of our empathy series, we will introduce the notion of empathy and attempt to define 'therapeutic empathy'. While the concept of 'empathy' is an umbrella term that involves many different (and sometimes opposing) components, clinical or therapeutic empathy implies more specific characteristics. From a methodological point of view, we will use phenomenological notions and definitions to explore these. From a practical perspective, we will propose features which clinicians may utilize in order to practice therapeutic empathy.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 2018
Introduction
Research on empathy in healthcare has blossomed,
with the number of PubMed citations... more Introduction
Research on empathy in healthcare has blossomed,
with the number of PubMed citations containing
the word ‘empathy’ in the title increasing 10-fold
(from 34 to 354) in the last 20 years.1 The references
include several randomised trials showing that
empathic care can improve patient outcomes.2–4 It
is thus unsurprising that the General Medical
Council considers empathy to be an essential component
of good communication.5 As a testament to its
importance within healthcare, there are now training
courses on the subject in the United States,6 United
Kingdom7 and South Africa.8...
Uploads
Papers by Valeria Bizzari
Research on empathy in healthcare has blossomed,
with the number of PubMed citations containing
the word ‘empathy’ in the title increasing 10-fold
(from 34 to 354) in the last 20 years.1 The references
include several randomised trials showing that
empathic care can improve patient outcomes.2–4 It
is thus unsurprising that the General Medical
Council considers empathy to be an essential component
of good communication.5 As a testament to its
importance within healthcare, there are now training
courses on the subject in the United States,6 United
Kingdom7 and South Africa.8...
Research on empathy in healthcare has blossomed,
with the number of PubMed citations containing
the word ‘empathy’ in the title increasing 10-fold
(from 34 to 354) in the last 20 years.1 The references
include several randomised trials showing that
empathic care can improve patient outcomes.2–4 It
is thus unsurprising that the General Medical
Council considers empathy to be an essential component
of good communication.5 As a testament to its
importance within healthcare, there are now training
courses on the subject in the United States,6 United
Kingdom7 and South Africa.8...
In our talk, we are not concerned with the neurophysiologic mechanisms implied in affective interactions and dialogues; not with the presumed presence of “mirror neurons” in the brain, which, according to the most recent research, seem to represent the basis of the human empathy. In this presentation, we would like to focus on a specific aspect of the human body, particularly crucial when it comes to deal with the elaboration of a proper therapy before the occurrence of psychopathological phenomena.
The goal of this workshop is to focus on a specific tool which has been developed recently for collecting qualitative data about the clinical situation: phenomenological interview, that is a semi-structured interview informed by phenomenological concepts (such as temporality, corporality, intersubjectivity, etc.) that allow to grasp the experience of a person as it is actually lived through by her. The benefit of the phenomenological interview is in the access that it gives to the subjective experience of persons involved in the clinical encounter. This is important to overcome a mere biological perspective on psychiatric illness and to have a more comprehensive view of process of psychiatric diagnoses and treatment.
Biennial Meeting
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
"Madness, the mind and politics, exploring the relationship between psychiatry and politics"
London, September 3 2019
Curatori: F. Brencio, V. Bizzari e F. Andolfi
n. 23, anno 2020/1, ISSN 2240 – 337X
http://www.la-ginestra.com/quaderni/meditazioni-filosofiche/
Deadline for abstract: December 1st
Notification of acceptance: December 15th
Deadline manuscripts: May 2023
More info at the following link: https://lnkd.in/e-nuhFSN