The "Territorial self": Theoretical proposals from a phenomenological understanding of schizophrenia

Objectives. - This theoretical paper discusses the integration of a "territorial self" alongside the minimal and narrative selves most commonly described by contemporary phenomenology and used by phenomenological psychopathology. Methods. - We start from the schizophrenic experience and the tools for understanding it, in order to highlight some limitations in the use of vocal communication within the clinical system to evoke phenomena that are a priori pre-linguistic. Results. - This theoretical path, which requires an openness to clinical observation and intersubjectivity, leads to nosographic and therapeutic implications that seem useful to us from a phenomenological perspective. Discussion. - From a nosographic standpoint, we discuss the (non-systematic) crossovers between the schizophrenic experience and the psychotic experience; whereas, from a therapeutic standpoint, the proposal of the territorial self allows us to insist on the fact that the clinical relationship is characterized as much by an analysis of experience and a discussion about it as it is by a joint practice and an experiential experience requiring a common ground. Conclusions. - The "territorial self" proves to be a fruitful and heuristic theoretical proposal, enriching nosographic debates in the field of psychosis, and contributing to a reflection on the practice of psychotherapy. (C) 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.