Abstract

CASTRO WOJDA, Roxana. Relational processes and power: the power of the medium. Subj. procesos cogn. [online]. 2010, vol.14, n.1, pp.41-54. ISSN 1852-7310.

In order to work on the concept of "power" in relational processes: The results of the analysis of a session of clairvoyant medium Gordon Smith with Greta and Andrew, parents of a child who died in an accident (the documentary video aired on "Mediums, The New Therapists", program broadcasted by Infnite Channel) are discussed. This material is part of an ongoing investigation regarding the interventions of mediums during clairvoyance sessions with clients who suffer from a prolonged state of mourning over the death of a loved one. The interventions of the medium are analyzed, through verbal speech acts (unfolded scenes) as well as through paraverbal components and motor ones, during the episodes of mediumship. These results are discussed and compared with the results of research that examines psychoanalytically oriented therapist interventions during the frst session. The research method in both investigations is the DLA. The characteristics of the client relationship with the medium-shaman are analyzed, as well as the place assigned to the power with which the witch or seer is invested by him/her and by the community to which both belong, power by which the mediums can effcaciously exercise their healing function.

Keywords : Power; Medium/shaman; Speech acts; Sequence of interventions; Therapeutic strategies; Pathological mourning; Pacifcation of the dead (in the living).

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