Showing papers in "International Forum of Psychoanalysis in 1992"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show the importance of Freud's letters to Eduard Silberstein in terms of retracing the roots of psychoanalysis to the young Freud's inner world, taking into consideration not only the relationship between the two members of the “Academia Castellana”, but also the young Sigmund's emotional vicissitudes in relation to his first love, Gisela Fluss.
Abstract: Conci M. The Young Freud's letters to Eduard Silberstein-Early Traces of Some Psychoanalytic Concepts. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:37-43. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X The author, after showing the importance of Freud's letters to E. Silberstein, in terms of retracing the roots of psychoanalysis to the young Freud's inner world, takes into consideration not only the relationship between the two members of the “Academia Castellana”, but also the young Sigmund's emotional vicissitudes in relation to his first love, Gisela Fluss. The hypothesis originally formulated by K. Eissler, according to which sublimation played a major role in the young Freud's psychic balance, finds further confirmation in these letters to Silberstein. This allows the author to bring back to Freud's emotional vicissitudes not only his later concept of female sexuality, but also his conceptualization of the analyst as a “blank screen”. On the basis of the route take in in this paper, the author suggests to give more attention to ...
10 citations
TL;DR: Kemper as mentioned in this paper discusses the necessary interrelationship and interdependence between external social and internal psychic reality in psychoanalytical practice and illustrates how the social order affects the practice of psychoanalysis limiting its efficacity and social scope.
Abstract: Kemper J. Brazil: Mental Health in Social Distress? The Dialectic Between Inner Psychic and External Social Reality. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:129-134. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706 On hand of Brazil's socio-economic and political environment the author focuses on the necessary interrelationship and interdependence between external social and internal psychic reality. He illustrates how the social order affects the practice of psychoanalysis limiting its efficacity and social scope. Although socially revolutionary in the invididual case psychoanalysis is restricted to a small elite in Brazil and elsewhere and can only become accessible to the man in the street if a more favourable socio-economic environment is created which will allow him to integrate the language of psychoanalysis into his existential horizon. The best prospects for social transformation and change lie in an active political engagement in the social process outside of the clinical setting of our private psychoanalytical practice.
7 citations
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TL;DR: Bilmes et al. as mentioned in this paper found that exaggerated machismo is the result of frustrated, shameful dependency experiences, and that the experience of maleness is especially linked to the psychic emotion of shame.
Abstract: Bilmes M. Machismo and Shame. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:163-168. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X “Machismo” is usually used in a pejorative way to describe an attitude of male domination and display of power. While this portrayal is clearly recognizable, it does not tell the full story. The Spanish word “macho” simply means male or masculine, and can be used positively to designate one gender's successful struggle for pride, honor and identity. Machismo is a caricature of these qualities, a brutishness stemming from defensive mechanisms. The thesis of this paper is that the experience of maleness is especially linked to the psychic emotion of shame. Specifically, exaggerated machismo, as the term is usually understood, is the result of frustrated, shameful dependency experiences.
7 citations
TL;DR: The role of the encounter in the process of working through is discussed in this article, where it is argued that there is a difference between facilitating an opportunity to deal with destructive or regressive emotions or impulses in an analytic way, and allowing these to be acted out, which can be undermining and which can create iatrogenic problems.
Abstract: Ehrenberg D.B. The Role of the Encounter in the Process of Working Through. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:44-50. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X In many instances an encounter in which patient and analyst engage in relatively direct and personal ways is the key to a viable process and the locus of therapeutic action. Where the analytic integrity of the work is threatened an encounter between patient and analyst can become the heart of the work, as the analyst's insistence on what is incumbent for productive treatment becomes the analytic lever. The premise is that there is a difference between facilitating an opportunity to deal with destructive or regressive emotions or impulses in an analytic way, which can be a healing and integrative experience, and allowing these to be acted out, which can be undermining and which can create iatrogenic problems.
5 citations
TL;DR: Harmatta J. as discussed by the authors describes the conditions for psychoanalytic work under political dictatorship and the repercussions of repressive tolerance on transference-countertransference and other aspects of the psychoanalysis situation.
Abstract: Harmatta J. Psychic Liberation under Political Tyranny. Int Forum Psychoanal 1: 135-138, 1992. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X Hungary was the only country in Eastern Europe where psychoanalysis was practiced during the communist regime. The author describes the conditions for psychoanalytic work under these years. The system of control under so called “soft dictatorship” and the repercussions of repressive tolerance on transference-countertransference and other aspects of the psychoanalytic situation are discussed.
4 citations
TL;DR: Bleichmar et al. as mentioned in this paper used the role of gender in hysteria to study the symbolic dimension of femininity and position gender as a main representation of the Ego Ideal-Ideal Ego narcissistic system.
Abstract: Dio Bleichmar E. What is the Role of Gender in Hysteria? Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:155-162. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X What is the role of gender in hysteria? Incorporating the concept of gender into the model of psychosexual development makes it possible to: (a) study the symbolic dimension of femininity; (b) position gender as a main representation of the Ego Ideal-Ideal Ego narcissistic system; (c) observe how these structures, and other Superego structures, follow different courses and achieve different forms of organization according to gender. The difference and specificity of father's seduction and mother's seduction is used to explain the difficulties in the declination of the Oedipus complex, and the repression of sexuality in girls (findings based on Laplanche's review of Freud's theory about the role of the adult in the origin of human sexuality). The importance of the father's sexual gaze for the development of feelings of shame in girls is taken into account. Some hysterical symptom...
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, Shechter described the psychotherapy of a male homosexual who experienced a reparative transference from a monogamous, sadomasochistic, homosexual lifestyle to a more positi...
Abstract: Shechter R. A. Treatment Parameters and Structural Change: Reflections on the Psychotherapy of a Male Homosexual. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:197-201. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X Sequential highlights from a four-year treatment period demonstrate specific instances when technique parameters, defined as deviations from psychoanalytic neutrality, triggered the emergence of repressed memories. These memories were connected to forbidden impulses and intense annihilation and castration anxiety. Parameters also functioned to keep anxiety at tolerable levels, allowing the working-through and rechanneling of highly charged libidinal and aggressive wishes and fears, and the establishment of a reparative transference. As the patient explored affect and memory, he incorporated a more benign superego. Drive was neutralized, sublimation occurred, and structural change unfolded. Intrapsychic change led to behavior change. The patient moved from a monogamous, sadomasochistic, homosexual lifestyle to a more positi...
4 citations
TL;DR: Grey et al. as mentioned in this paper proposed to view sexual identities (whether hetero- or homo-) as socially constructed, and the meaning of sexual behavior thus arises from the interplay between unique individual experience and the cultural milieu in which the individual develops.
Abstract: Grey C.C. Psychoanalysis and the Social Construction of Gender and Sexuality. Inter Forum Psychoanal 1992; 1:74-78. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X The traditional psychoanalytic concept of homosexuality as pathology, as well as our etiological speculations, have been seriously challenged by scientific research. An alternative is proposed here viewing sexual identities (whether hetero- or homo-) as socially constructed. The meaning of sexual behavior thus arises from the interplay between unique individual experience and the cultural milieu in which the individual develops. The effects of exclusion and stigmatization are particularly salient to the identities of homosexual men and women in Western society, as are the effects of gender ideologies.
3 citations
Abstract: Russell J.M. Perversion, Eating Disorders and Sex Roles. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:98-103. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X Perversion is presented as a fascination with something we also regard as repugnant. A perversion like exhibitionism is a metaphor illuminating the stereotypically masculine. An eating disorder such as bulimia provides a metaphor illuminating the stereotypically feminine. It also fits the account given of perversion. Stereotypes for masculine and feminine, though cultivated in social expectations, are rooted in the infant fantasy world. One is fascinated with the fate of what one has ejected (projected). This contributes to a groundwork for masculinity and exhibitionism. One is fascinated and ambivalent about what one takes in (introjects) which contributes to a groundwork for femininity and bulimia. Genitalia are discovered subsequently, as appropriate representations of these options. Our capacity to be socialized into gender roles, and our discovery of our genitalia en route t...
3 citations
TL;DR: On Being a Male Analyst: The Reluctant Discovery of a Troublesome Goldmine as mentioned in this paper is an autobiographical account of the experiences of the author, a male psychoanalyst, focusing on aspects of his work relevant to his masculine identity.
Abstract: On Being a Male Analyst: The Reluctant Discovery of a Troublesome Goldmine. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992; 1:20-28. ISSN 0803-706X This autobiographical account of the experiences of the author, a male psychoanalyst, focuses on aspects of his work relevant to his masculine identity. A distinction is made between sexual identity and gender identity. The former refers to biological attributes of maleness and the latter to psychological characteristics acquired in the course of socialization. While no definitive conclusions can be drawn from this single case, the account is intended to suggest hypotheses for future investigation.
2 citations
TL;DR: Reeder as mentioned in this paper delineates the place and function of narrativity in Freud's writings and argues that Freud lacked an understanding of the meaning of the life history of the patient for the alleviation of the latter's symptoms.
Abstract: Reeder J. Freud's Narrative. From Case History to Life Story. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;l:Sl-60. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X In awareness of the recent interest in the narrative activity of the psychoanalytic experience, the present paper attempts to delineate the place and function of narrativity in Freud's writings. It is argued that he lacked an understanding of the meaning of the life history of the patient for the alleviation of the latter's symptoms. Therefore he stuck to his well-known archaeological model of psychoanalytical treatment and did not elaborate a specific theory of narrativity. On the other hand, a concern for the problems of narrativity appears in his considerations regarding the case history, which, however, is not constructed for the benefit of the patient, but for communication with the medical community. Beside this, it is possible to find in his writings the precursors of a narrative theory, some of which are examined in the last section together with an attempt to create ...
TL;DR: Gondar J. de O. as mentioned in this paper studied the notion of the feminine in Freud's works and found the similarities between mythical thought and Freud's cultural analysis, which can help us to get in touch with a dimension of femininity suggested in the articles explicitly dealing with sexuality.
Abstract: Gondar J. de O. The Deep of Tartarus–The Notion of Feminine in Freud. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:169-174. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X There are two ways of exploring the notion of the feminine in Freud's works. The first is by studying the articles dedicated to sexuality, which focus directly on the notion. The other is by studying his works on culture. In these articles Freud links the feminine to the forces of Nature, Death, and fate, opposed to the mechanisms that rule culture. He describes how civilization tries to defend itself from these feminine forces in all his cultural texts. These works can help us to get in touch with a dimension of femininity only suggested in the articles explicitly dealing with sexuality. This conception of femininity as the menace of culture is ancient: we can find it in Greek mythology. In my paper I underline the similarities between mythical thought and Freud's cultural analysis.
TL;DR: Cohler et al. as mentioned in this paper argued that the homosexual adaptation is an archaic structure representing fixation and regression, rather than being a separate yet maturationally progressive branch of developm...
Abstract: Cohler J. Male and Female Homosexuality (Discussion). Int Forum Psychoanal 1992; 1:79-83. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X This discussion raises questions about an apparent basic assumption in Professor Dr Rohde-Dachser's paper: homosexuality contributes primarily to progression. Rather than seeing homosexuality as a variant of a normal developmental line, this discussion concurs with Freud, Bieber, Socarides, McDougall et al, that it represents a deviation from a normal developmental line. Moreover our view is in contrast to Professor Dr. Rohde-Dachser's in disputing that the homosexual line of development is progressive. While homosexuality may be adaptive, it is seen as developmentally archaic in terms of adult functioning. To illustrate this point of view the psychoanalysis of an adult male is presented in brief. We conclude here that the homosexual adaptation is an archaic structure representing fixation and regression, rather than being a separate yet maturationally progressive branch of developm...
TL;DR: Sies as discussed by the authors argued that pregenital qualities, which determine the primary scene, are typically feminine or masculine, and that men will feel forced to act and will not be able to integrate the capacity to feel and stay, to accept and to be fertile.
Abstract: Sies C. Beyond Pregenital Determination of Femininity and Masculinity (Discussion). Int Forum Psychoanal 1992; 1: 148-150. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X The most interesting interpretations by Ludvig Igra do not deal with the differences between man and woman from my perspective. It seems rather that pregenital qualities, which determine the primary scene, are defined as typically feminine or masculine. As long as concepts like “doing” and “being”, “active” and “passive”, “to penetrate” or “being penetrated” are attributed to man and woman, respectively, the battle between the sexes cannot end. As long as parents and therapists deny “being” as anything typical for the male, man will feel forced to act and will not be able to integrate the capacity to feel and stay, to accept and to be fertile. As long as for a woman the capacity to penetrate is regarded as a form of phallicity, this will diminish or even destroy her ability to fertilize, to stimulate and to break through, where break-throughs are nec...
TL;DR: Brenner as discussed by the authors argued that it is to a large extent a matter of the therapist's personal maturity whether a patient feels comfortable with him or her; that the required openness is possible; and that the necessary frustration tolerance can be achieved, so that the patient need not hi...
Abstract: Brenner H. On the Importance of Gender in the Psychoanalytic Relation (Discussion). Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:29-3 1. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X In the discussion of the contributions by Alan Grey and Ann Turkel, the author compares their findings with her own, both on the theoretic and practical levels. While the question of gender evidently plays a role, its importance seems to differ depending on the traditional attitudes of society, with changes becoming apparent in line with feministic trends, but varying from one culture to the next, and also from one therapist to another depending on her/his own personal history. In conclusion, Heidy Brenner answers the question posed at the beginning, also in the sense of Alan Grey, that it is to a large extent a matter of the therapist's personal maturity whether a patient—male or female—feels comfortable with him or her; that the required openness is possible; and that the necessary frustration tolerance can be achieved, so that the patient need not hi...
TL;DR: Kafka et al. as mentioned in this paper studied the therapeutic dyad as the healing agency in psychoanalysis and found that healing occurs when the analyst, utilizing these teachings, participates in the analysand's integration of the many facets of self.
Abstract: Kafka H. To Cure or to Heal? A Clinical and Theoretical Study of Healing Processes Within Psychoanalysis. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;l:llO-118. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X The notion of cure in psychoanalysis both discounts irreparable wounds and discards painful life experiences of many people. Cure also implies getting rid of the darker sides of the self. In contrast, healing aims to restore not only the patient's sense of self, but of “selfhood”: the continuity of the person's life in relation to others, society and the environment. In conjunction with analysis of transference and countertransferences, healing employs all that is currently known about the development of the self–from research on infancy, learning and cognition to studies on imagery, pain, health and the immunological system. Healing occurs when the analyst, utilizing these teachings, participates in the analysand's integration of the many facets of self. My focus is the therapeutic dyad as the healing agency. With case vignettes,...
TL;DR: The importance of gender in psychoanalytic relations is discussed in this paper, where the effect of the gender of each of the participants in the analyst-patient relationship is discussed.
Abstract: The Importance of Gender in Psychoanalytic Relations (Discussion). Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:32-36. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X Patients assimilate the analyst's gender, appearance, age and the prevailing cultural climate into the transference. Differences in gender between analyst and patient may stir up a variety of social conventions, stereotypes and characterological ways of relating to same or different gendered people. Analytic inquiry must focus on the patient's invariant organizing principles, the themes along which a person organizes his or her experience. Two papers presented at the August, 1991 meetings of the International Federation of Psychoanalytic Societies, that addressed the effect of the gender of each of the participants in the analyst-patient relationship are discussed.
TL;DR: Stensson as discussed by the authors made a limited and preliminary attempt to outline some possible outcomes of interactions between primal scene and oral phantasies, taking help from the theoretical physicist David Bohm's ideas on implicate order.
Abstract: Stensson J. Sexual Identity and Choice of Sexual Object: From Bisexuality to Implicate Order. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992; 1:93-97. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706 X Freud's concept of bisexuality leads to contradictory consequences. Seeing choice of sexual object in the light of unconscious primal phantasies as coding systems, unfolds new possibilities. Taking the primal scene phantasy as a preconceptual code for mature sexuality, I make a limited and preliminary attempt to outline some possible outcomes of interactions between primal scene and oral phantasies, taking help from the theoretical physicist David Bohm's ideas on implicate order.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the psychoanalytic encounter and the effect of gender related ways of expressing destructiveness in the analysis of psychoanalistic encounters, concluding that the masculine destructiveness expresses itself as a cutting off, while the feminine destructiveness appears as a withdrawal.
Abstract: Igra L. The Silent Kill. Male and Female Destructiveness in Psychoanalytic Practice. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:139-147. Stockholm ISSN 0803-706X There is an ongoing discussion where efforts are made to divine if there are specific gender related ways of expressing destructiveness. In the present paper the focus is primarily on the psychoanalytic encounter. The basic qualities of the psychoanalytic situation can, among other potential meanings, unconsciously be symbolized as a primal scene. This awakens hate in the infantile transference and attacks are directed against theses linking qualities of the analytic setting and against the link between analyst and analysand. In the analysands unconscious this is related to an incapacity to integrate masculine and feminine aspects of the personality. The impression is that the masculine destructiveness expresses itself as a cutting off, while the feminine destructiveness appears as a withdrawal. These differences emerge somewhat later in the developmen...
TL;DR: Turkel as discussed by the authors explored the problems associated with the choice of the analyst by gender with particular focus on three therapeutic dyads: women treating women, women treating men, and men treating women.
Abstract: Turkel A.R. The Gender of the Analyst. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;l:ll-19. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X The importance of understanding the gender-related aspects of our clinical work should not be underestimated. The problems associated with the choice of the analyst by gender are explored with particular focus on three therapeutic dyads: women treating women, women treating men, and men treating women. While the analyst's gender may contribute to resistance and to negative transference, it may also facilitate treatment. Research studies are examined and clinical material is utilized to illustrate the major points.
TL;DR: Boothe et al. as mentioned in this paper introduced and illustrated three combined steps of progression, which center around the female oedipal development, illustrated by a clinical example: (1) the so-called "disillusionment-discouragement fantasy", (2) the capacity to be alone, and (3) the confidence of having "treasures" to give to a beloved partner.
Abstract: Boothe B. The Unavailable relationship, the Capacity to Be Alone, and the Female Oedipal Development. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;l: 104-109. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X Three combined steps of progression, which center around the female oedipal development, are introduced and illustrated by a clinical example: (1) the so-called “disillusionment-discouragement fantasy” (2) the capacity to be alone (3) the confidence of having “treasures” to give to a beloved partner.
TL;DR: Flordh et al. as mentioned in this paper discussed the relation between the female analyst and the female patient from a gender specific point of view, and proposed that gender specific trends may be expressed in different transference patterns towards the analyst.
Abstract: Flordh C. Longings for Fusion and Autonomy in the Relation between the Female Analyst and the Female Patient. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:175-179. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X The relation between the female analyst and the female patient is discussed from a gender specific point of view. It is proposed that gender specific trends may be expressed in different transference patterns towards the female analyst. It is also proposed that the female analyst is often sought by the female patient who needs help to work through the unconscious conflicts between fusion and autonomy. It is crucial that the analyst accepts both longing and distancing tendencies, that is the erotic as well as the aggressive side of the conflict. Some countertransference problems are discussed.
TL;DR: De Oliveira as discussed by the authors summarizes the main contributions to the establishment of the concept of narcissism, starting with Freud and continuing with some post-freudian authors; two interviews with a client are related from a psychoanalytic point of view.
Abstract: de Oliveira, D.T. The Aegis of Narcissism. Michael's Case. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:180-183. Stockholm ISSN 0803-706X The author summarizes the main contributions to the establishment of the concept of “narcissism”, starting with Freud and continuing with some postfreudian authors; two interviews with a client are related from a psychoanalytic point of view. The client demonstrates a great need to be loved and admired, showing, at the same time, a grandiose representation of himself, in spite of a deep dependence on those nearest to him. The author uses the case for theoretical reflections about the concept of narcissism. These reflections support the view that there is not “one” narcissism nor a “good” or “bad” narcissism, nor even a “normal” or “pathological” narcissism, but narcissistic conditions related to the subject's conflicts with himself and with the world. The narcissist economy can be conceived in a way that makes unnecessary the tendency to see narcissism as an isolated nosologic ...
TL;DR: Terzaghi et al. as mentioned in this paper discussed the psychoanalysis of a young homosexual woman, Sara, from being "obsessed" with a girlfriend, ambivalently attached to her mother, and hostilely related to men, at the beginning of treatment, to the point of termination of her treatment where she emerges a significantly changed woman who warmly engages in heterosexual relationships and with a new capacity for orgasm.
Abstract: Terzaghi M. A Daughter's a Daughter the Rest of Her Life. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:8492. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X This paper discusses the psychoanalysis of a young homosexual woman. The paper traces the change in the young woman, Sara, from being “obsessed” with a girlfriend, ambivalently attached to her mother, and hostilely related to men, at the beginning of treatment, to the point of termination of her treatment where she emerges a significantly changed woman who warmly engages in heterosexual relationships and with a new capacity for orgasm. The general psychodynamic picture is one of neurotic development based on central unresolved conflicts. Conflicts over sexuality and aggression are internalized in a personality whose structuralization suggests she did reach the oedipal level. Early difficulties surrounding fear of loss of her mother and her mother's love influenced each successive stage of development so that loss is a leitmotif throughout. In the case of Sara, homosexuality is see...
TL;DR: Trad et al. as mentioned in this paper discussed a developmental process known as previewing that adaptive caregivers use to introduce infants to maturational change and applied previewing techniques to psychotherapy may yield insight into the patient's intrapsychic perceptions, facilitate exploration of conflict, and promote behaviors that reinforce mastery and competence.
Abstract: Trad P.V. A Prospective Approach for Enhancing the Therapeutic Relationship. Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:184-195. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X Models of interaction for the therapist-patient relationship have frequently been derived from the parent-infant relationship. AH too often, however, these models have neglected to articulate specific techniques for guiding the psychotherapeutic process. This paper discusses a developmental process known as previewing that adaptive caregivers use to introduce infants to maturational change. Applying previewing techniques to psychotherapy may yield insight into the patient's intrapsychic perceptions, facilitate exploration of conflict, and promote behaviors that reinforce mastery and competence.
TL;DR: Medri, G. as discussed by the authors argued that both sexes use the same means of defence: activity, in the form of violence directed at the other party, or passivity, as a withdrawal from this party.
Abstract: Medri, G. Male and Female Destructiveness in the Psychoanalytic Process (Discussion). Int Forum Psychoanal 1992;1:151-154. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-706X The author agrees with Dr Igra that there does appear to be a difference between male and female destructiveness. The conceptual picture referred to is not, however, the primary scene, but the different kind of narcissism occurring in the two sexes. The result of this is that the man seeks to protect his surface, the woman her inner being. Despite the difference, both sexes use the same means of defence: activity, in the form of violence directed at the other party, or passivity, as a withdrawal from this party. It is important to consider the differences in terminology arising during discussion when two authors are from different schools of thought; these problems in communication should receive serious attention.