Robert Caper, a U.S. psychoanalyst and author, engages deeply with the foundations of psychoanalysis and W.R. Bion’s theories. He discusses the critical role of language in therapy, exploring how suggestion can divert from discovering deeper truths. Caper introduces the concept of maternal versus paternal containers, highlighting their influences on patient well-being. He stresses the analyst's responsibility to confront uncomfortable realities, rather than simply affirm patients’ beliefs, and delves into the complex dynamics of containment in therapeutic relationships.

C.K. Westbrook, an environmentalist and author based in D.C., dives into the psychoanalytic study of political leadership in the U.S. and Russia. The discussion reveals how historical lies have eroded public trust and the urgent need for truth-telling in governance. They examine pivotal events like the atomic bombings and the influence of intergenerational trauma on leaders like Putin. The conversation underscores the importance of epistemic trust and highlights how understanding psychological profiles can illuminate contemporary political dynamics.

The discussion delves into how defense mechanisms like denial and rationalization shaped the political landscape of the 2024 campaign. It uncovers the psychological dynamics influencing voter behavior, from the suppression of candidates' flaws to collective repression surrounding election fraud beliefs. The impact of political identity on decision-making is explored, revealing the tensions between individual beliefs and factual discourse. Additionally, strategies for respectful political conversations in a divided context are shared, emphasizing empathy amid differing views.

Emily Dinova, an award-winning writer, actor, and martial artist, discusses her new novel, The Antagonist, which emerged from her experiences with trauma. She delves into how writing became a therapeutic outlet, helping her confront fears and destructive habits. Dinova’s characters embody various psychoanalytic themes, including repression and narcissism, showcasing the complexities of relationships and identity. She also connects her martial arts background to her writing journey, emphasizing the transformative power of creative expression.

Steven J. Sandage, a leading expert in psychology of religion at Boston University, and Brad D. Strawn, an authority on integration of psychology and theology from Fuller Seminary, dive into the vital role of spirituality in psychotherapy. They discuss the CERT framework, showcasing how therapists' spiritual identities shape their work. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing spiritual diversity, addressing the challenges related to marginalized identities, and integrating spirituality to foster better therapeutic relationships.

In this thought-provoking discussion, philosopher Anneli Jefferson addresses the contentious question of whether mental disorders are indeed brain disorders. She argues against reductionist views, emphasizing that what’s deemed dysfunctional in the brain often reflects psychological dysfunction. Jefferson critiques prevalent notions around brain disorders, exploring the implications for treatment and personal responsibility. She advocates for a more nuanced understanding that bridges psychological and physiological perspectives, unpacking the complexities of mental health.

Clinical psychologist Stijn Vanheule, a professor at Ghent University and author, discusses his new book on psychosis, offering insights that challenge traditional views. He explores the concept that many of us have psychotic experiences and redefines psychosis through a hopeful lens. Drawing on case studies, he illustrates how understanding, creativity, and social factors can aid recovery. Vanheule also examines the therapeutic dynamics between patients and clinicians, highlighting the importance of empathy and humor in mental health discussions.

How can Bill Clinton’s “I did not have sexual relations with that woman” shed light on Lacan’s maxim, “The unconscious is structured like a language?” In Six Moments in Lacan: Communication and Identification in Psychology and Psychoanalysis (Routledge, 2018), professor Derek Hook thoroughly investigates and explains a number of Lacan’s major concepts from his structuralist period, making them accessible to a wide-ranging audience with reference to entertaining examples from popular culture. Hook argues that, while the fields of psychology and psychoanalysis share certain questions and premises, we must, as Lacan insisted, remain alert to the radical disjunction between the objectifying aims of psychology and psychoanalysis’s unique attention to the subject, conceived as an event in language. In this interview, we hear Derek explain several of his book’s key arguments, explore the clinical dimensions of Lacanian theory, and, alongside Derek’s illuminating commentary, listen to Richard Nixon confess his responsibility for Watergate.Jordan Osserman grew up in South Florida and currently calls London home. He received his PhD in gender studies and psychoanalysis from University College London, his MA in psychosocial studies from Birkbeck College, and his BA in womens and gender studies from Dartmouth College. His published work can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychoanalysis

This podcast describes a short history of a man who did something we’ve lost in America. That man was James Baldwin who insisted on telling the truth. He confronted the harsh realities of racism, believing that exposing its ugliness was necessary for progress. He rejected simplistic solutions, arguing that racism was deeply rooted in American consciousness and imagination, beyond just political and economic inequalities. Instead, Baldwin called for a fundamental transformation of American society and identity. He critiqued white America, urging white Americans to confront their own behavior and complicity in racist systems.Controversially, Baldwin advocated for Black Americans to approach white countrymen with love, while still insisting on unconditional freedom, seeing this as necessary for true transformation. He ultimately wanted to build a nation that moved beyond racial categorization, focusing instead on individual humanity. Baldwin viewed racism as stemming from a deeper spiritual problem in America, where individuals and the nation lacked a true sense of identity. While he did not offer simple solutions to racism, Baldwin's penetrating analysis and powerful writing exposed the complexities of racism in our country, challenged both white and Black Americans to confront difficult truths, and provided a framework for understanding racism beyond just political reforms. His work continues to influence discussions on race in America today, aiming not to ameliorate racism in a superficial sense, but to push for a profound reckoning with and transformation of American society and identity in relation to race.Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone is a powerful novel that explores the complexities of race, sexuality, and identity in America through the life of its protagonist, Leo Proud/hammer. As the story begins, Leo, a successful African-American actor, suffers from a heart attack. As he recovers he reflects on his life and relationships.It is also of interest to note how James Baldwin’s novel relates to Dr. Matin Luther King Jr.’s non-fiction book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?Both books are discussed in terms of the major contributions they made to racism in America as well as how they illustrate psychoanalytic mechanism of defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychoanalysis

Sandra Buechler, a distinguished training and supervising analyst from the William Alanson White Institute, explores the intricacies of psychoanalysis and values in her recent book. She discusses common therapeutic challenges like loss, aging, and guilt, highlighting how an analyst's values shape treatment. Buechler connects poetry to psychoanalysis, enriching her insights, while reflecting on the emotional complexities of retirement. The warm dialogue with her former supervisee adds depth, showcasing their shared journey in the evolution of psychoanalytic practice.