Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Eva Feindler, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Dr. Michael Katz, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Dr. Virginia Boga, Ph.D.

Abstract

Silence plays a multifaceted role within psychoanalytic theory and practice, yet remains understudied in therapeutic communication. While existing literature acknowledges silence as a significant aspect of therapeutic interaction, empirical studies specifically focusing on how psychoanalysts employ silence are scarce. This qualitative study addressed this gap by exploring how psychoanalysts understood and utilized silence in psychodynamic psychotherapy, identifying factors that influenced their perceptions of its use, and examining whether silence was experienced as conducive or obstructive to therapeutic interaction. Thirteen psychoanalysts (10 women, 3 men), aged 43 to 70, with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and representing heterosexual and gay/queer orientations, participated in the study; all had completed psychoanalytic training and had a minimum of one year of post-training analytic experience. Snowball and convenience sampling methods were utilized for recruitment. Using semi-structured interviews and Auerbach and Silverstein’s (2003) grounded theory qualitative analysis method, the study synthesized recurrent themes that illuminated the role of silence in psychodynamic psychotherapy. The interview protocol focused on psychoanalysts’ experiences with silence, their approaches to and perceptions of its use in therapy, factors influencing decisions to employ or interrupt silence, and examples of its impact on clinical process and therapeutic relationships. Findings revealed that silence functioned as an active relational process shaped by countertransference, power and agency dynamics, developmental history, and individual differences, with analysts emphasizing flexibility and responsiveness in determining when silence facilitated therapeutic depth and when it required interruption to maintain safety, connection, and analytic engagement. This study contributes to psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice by elucidating the complex, context-dependent role of silence and offering guidance on its thoughtful, attuned use in psychotherapy.

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