Antonino Ferro

Bio: Antonino Ferro is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Dialogical self & Mentalization. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 6 publications receiving 45 citations.

Narrative Derivatives of Alpha Elements: Clinical Implications

Abstract: The author considers both the psychoanalytic field and the ways in which the characters of a psychoanalytic session can be understood. He then develops one of Bion's ideas, the dream in the waking state, by isolating the derivatives of such dreams or rather the alpha elements they consist of. The author implies a theory of technique which takes account of all the signals "the bi-personal field" gives the analyst about the functioning of the analytic couple by means of "narrative derivatives". This enables continual changes to be made in interpretation

Mentalization as alphabetization of the emotions: Oscillation between the opening and closing of possible worlds

Abstract: Mentalization defines the capacity to attribute mental states such as desires and beliefs to others and to understand that these can differ from our own. Such a capacity can be compromised in several psychiatric conditions and is the main target of many types of psychotherapy. Here we propose a theoretic model in which mentalization is achieved through a process we have termed “alphabetization” of the emotions. In this model, the patient–analyst relationship is observed within the analytic field so that all the communications of the patient and/or the analyst can be considered as “dreams” narrating the emotional “climate” of the field itself. Both the analyst and the patient contribute to the generation of the “climate,” and the analyst’s role is to promote the patient’s capacity to convert the unknown sensations into “dreams” or stories so as to make the emotional experience symbolized and meaningful.

Interpretation: signals from the analytic field and emotional transformations

Abstract: Through numerous clinical examples and from a point of view focused on field theory the author reflects upon what are the main characteristics of ‘transformative interpretations’ and upon the mental and affective conditions that support it. He especially centers his attention on difficult patients who have experienced cumulative affective traumas in their lives.

Listening, Interpreting and Psychic Change in the Analytic Dialogue

Abstract: In psychoanalytical practice important, but less studied, transformative functions are performed by verbal comments which do not correspond to the classic model of mutative interpretations proposed by Strachey. The Authors describe some characteristics of such clinical situations, without coming into the better known categories of variations in technique. Such enunciations seem not to have a “strong”, (already clearly defined) meaning in the mind of the analyst, but contain rather a “weak” semantic potential, which can only develop with the active cooperation of the patient. In the light of these experiences, the Authors reconsider the general nature of psychoanalytical interpretation and emphasize the intersubjective and dialogical nature of the interpretive work carried out in analysis.

Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder, Mentalization-based Treatment

Abstract: ![Figure][1] While reading this book I also read reviews of Gielgud’s Letters ([Mangan, 2004][2]) and a biography of Michael Redgrave ([Strachan, 2004][3]). These gave accounts of the lives of these two actors that left little out from a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.

Therapeutic Consultations in Child Psychiatry.

Abstract: Now, we come to offer you the right catalogues of book to open. therapeutic consultations in child psychiatry is one of the literary work in this world in suitable to be reading material. That's not only this book gives reference, but also it will show you the amazing benefits of reading a book. Developing your countless minds is needed; moreover you are kind of people with great curiosity. So, the book is very appropriate for you.

Clinical implications of Bion's thought.

Abstract: The author focuses on some clinical implications of Bion's thought. He takes into particular consideration the great technical importance of Bion's concept of ‘waking dream thought’. He also proposes some developments of Bion's thought. Psychoanalytic exercises like those suggested by Bion are presented along with clinical material in order to render the author's theoretical-technical ideas as clear as possible. Furthermore, he deals with the fertile connection between Bion's theories and the fi eld concept in psychoanalysis.

Taking time: the tempo of psychoanalysis.

Abstract: In this article the author argues that in order to be psychoanalysis, the ‘here and now’ technical approach needs to be firmly grounded theoretically and technically in a practice that includes the...

The Meaning and Use of Metaphor in Analytic Field Theory

Abstract: Each of the principal psychoanalytic models is underlain by certain key metaphors. For example, the archaeological and surgical metaphors, as well as that of the analyst-as-screen, all throw light on some of Freud's basic concepts. In classical psychoanalysis, however, metaphor still tends to be an illegitimate or secondary element. Analytic field theory, on the other hand, reserves a completely different place for it, both as an instrument of technique in clinical work and as a conceptual device in theoretical activity. Metaphor and the field are linked in a chiasm: The field metaphor transforms Kleinian relational theory into a radically intersubjective theory, which, in turn, places metaphor at a point along the spectrum of dreaming—to paraphrase Bion, it is the stuff of analysis. For the sake of illustration, we examine first the origins and meaning of the field metaphor in analytic field theory; we then consider the mutual implications of this particular development of post-Bion psychoanalysis and th...