Abstract

This paper presents the psychodynamic concepts in psychosomatics, which are divided into homogeneous and heterogeneous models in the literature. The Chicago Psychosomatic School is conceptually closer to the homogeneous model, and its founder, Franz Alexander, followed the principle of continuity of body and psyche, while the one closer to the heterogeneous model is the Paris Psychosomatic School which is based upon the discontinuity of body and psyche, and its most important representatives were Ziwar, Marty, Fain, de M’uzan and others. In this paper, the Paris Psychosomatic School is elaborated in more detail, considering the fact that this model is more present in Europe. The basic terms important for understanding the Paris psychosomatic concept are also explained, such as the following: automatic-mechanistic way of thinking (pense operatoire), reduplication, lack of fantasy and alexithymia. In addition, the economic concept of organization and reorganization in the psychosomatic patient is explained.