Wynne Godley delves into his evocative sessions with Masud Khan, a troubled yet charismatic figure in British psychoanalysis. The podcast explores Godley's emotional struggles and the impact of his chaotic childhood, highlighting themes of worthlessness and isolation. It paints a vivid image of familial challenges, including a father's alcoholism. The narrative also critiques the ethical dilemmas of psychoanalysis, questioning the responsibilities of professionals when personal flaws intersect with care. This journey intertwines personal growth and the search for genuine emotional support.
Wynne Godley's exploration of his disconnection in therapy with Masud Khan reveals critical challenges in the psychoanalytic process.
Godley's reflections on his personal struggles highlight the intricate relationship between childhood experiences and emotional growth during therapy.
Deep dives
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Gift options include subscriptions to a Close Readings podcast series focused on various literature spanning from ancient Greece to modern works. The podcast features contributions from notable writers associated with the LRB. Audiobooks, such as 'Becoming a Philosopher' and 'Complicated Women,' offer biographical essays that delve into the lives of significant historical figures. These audio gifts are readily accessible online, promoting an easy way to share literature with others.
Wynne Godley's Legacy
Wynne Godley, a notable figure in economics, is remembered for his insightful contributions, including anticipations of major economic events like the 1980s' unemployment crisis and the 2008 financial crash. His background includes work at the Treasury and a directorship at King's College, Cambridge, illustrating his deep involvement in economic theory and policy. Godley’s unique perspective and experiences, including his foray into psychoanalysis, provide a rich context for understanding his views on societal issues. His writings highlight personal struggles alongside his professional insights, enhancing his legacy in both psychology and economics.
Challenges of Psychoanalysis
The discussion reveals Godley’s difficult experience with psychoanalysis, characterized by a sense of disconnection and frustration in the therapeutic relationship. He describes his psychological struggles, including feelings of living through an 'artificial self,' which led him to seek psychoanalytic help. Godley's sessions with his analyst, Masood Khan, devolved into a chaotic dynamic where he felt his concerns were overlooked, highlighting the potential pitfalls of psychoanalytical practices. His narrative suggests that instead of healing, the sessions often mirrored past traumas, contributing to further emotional distress.
Reflections on Personal Growth and Therapy
Godley reflects on the profound impact of his early life experiences, revealing how they shaped his personality and vulnerabilities. His encounters with his analyst were marked by a struggle for emotional expression, leading to insights about his childhood and familial relationships. Despite recognizing the lack of progress in therapy, he came to terms with his past through new realizations about familial love and betrayal. This journey illustrates a critical commentary on the effectiveness of therapy and the complexities of personal growth in the face of unresolved trauma.
Wynne Godley was by turns a professional oboist, a fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, an economist at the Treasury and a director of the Royal Opera House. Yet at thirty he found himself ‘living through an artificial self’ and turned to psychoanalysis for help.
Masud Khan was a protégé of D.W. Winnicott and the darling of British psychoanalysis. He was also much else besides. In this unforgettable piece from 2001, Godley describes his baffling and disastrous sessions with Khan.