New Books in Intellectual History Daniel José Gaztambide, "Decolonizing Psychoanalytic Technique: Putting Freud on Fanon's Couch" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024)
Aug 6, 2025
Daniel José Gaztambide, author and researcher at CUNY, delves into the intersection of psychoanalysis and decoloniality. He explores how traditional psychotherapy can be reformed by integrating historical and sociopolitical contexts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of addressing identity and social dynamics, particularly for marginalized communities. Gaztambide critiques the narrow focus on familial issues in psychoanalysis and advocates for a broader understanding of race and class, highlighting contemporary Puerto Rican challenges through a decolonial lens.
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Integrating Social Context in Psychoanalysis
- Psychoanalytic theory often separates foundational mind theory from social context and oppression impacts.
- Decolonizing psychoanalytic technique rewires theory to integrate structural forces with clinical practice.
Fanon’s Synthesis of Psychoanalysis
- Fanon critiques Freud's segregation of individual and collective psychology.
- He emphasizes synthesizing individual development (ontogeny) with social development (sociogeny) for understanding psyche.
Balancing Individual and Social Trauma
- Psychological symptoms arise from environment and individual idiosyncratic responses.
- Therapy must balance validating oppression and addressing personal defenses, embracing nuanced dynamism.
