New Books in Psychoanalysis

Hila Yahalom, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, explores the intricacies of narcissistic parenthood in her book, shedding light on its psychological effects. She discusses how narcissism distorts familial relationships, creating defensive behavioral patterns in children. Yahalom examines the concepts of echoism and the intergenerational transmission of narcissistic traits, using case studies and historical figures like Kafka and Callas to illustrate her points. The conversation also touches on therapeutic approaches to understanding and healing from the emotional scars left by narcissistic parenting.

Ahron Friedberg, a psychodynamic psychiatrist and clinical professor, dives deep into the intricate connections between psychoanalysis and love. He explores unique case studies revealing themes like repressed desires and familial dynamics. Friedberg discusses techniques to support patients facing resistance and highlights the significance of transference in therapy. He also examines love's interplay with sexuality, drawing from ancient Greek philosophies, all while emphasizing the personalized nature of healing relationships within therapy.

Udo Hock, a distinguished German psychoanalyst and translator, dives deep into the enigmatic work of Jean Laplanche. He discusses key themes such as the influence of others on the unconscious and the complexities of infantile sexuality. Hock proposes a transformative shift in psychoanalysis that critiques traditional views and emphasizes external influences. He also unpacks distinctions in unconscious types, explores transference dynamics, and advocates for a return to a nuanced understanding of Laplanche’s theories, enriching the discourse within psychoanalysis.

Hélène Tessier, a renowned scholar and editor of "Vocabulaire de Laplanche," delves into the pivotal concepts of Jean Laplanche's theories. She discusses the innovative vocabulary that makes Laplanche's influential ideas more accessible, and unpacks the intricate dynamics of messages and seduction in psychoanalysis. Tessier explores Laplanche's distinction between types of unconsciousness and critiques traditional frameworks, highlighting the role of culture in therapeutic practices. The conversation also touches on the challenges of symbolization in the age of AI, emphasizing the need for human interpretation.

Jan Abram, a leading British psychoanalyst and scholar of Winnicott, explores her groundbreaking concepts in this engaging discussion. She introduces the dual idea of surviving and non-surviving objects, emphasizing their impact on psychic health and therapy. Abram ties in the beauty of ukiyo-e art to illustrate maternal bonds and the child's perception of the world. She delves into gender dynamics, the nuances of transference, and critiques classical theories, all while highlighting the profound relationship between survival, emotion, and therapeutic joy.

Amrita Narayanan, a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, delves into the intricate dynamics of women's sexuality in modern India. She discusses the importance of understanding sexual agency beyond societal suffering and cultural narratives. The conversation highlights the emotional complexities faced by women, particularly the interplay of personal desires and communal pressures. Narayanan also examines father-daughter relationships, the psychological impact of losing sexual autonomy, and the paradoxes of pleasure and renunciation in women's experiences.

In this engaging discussion, Roberta Satow, a seasoned psychoanalyst and author, delves into her novel, 'Our Time Is Up.' She skillfully navigates the tension between patient and analyst, revealing how her protagonist, Rose, embodies both roles. The conversation highlights the complexities of transference, the importance of intimacy in therapy, and the creative process behind blending autobiographical elements with fiction. Satow also reflects on how personal experiences and emotions shape therapeutic dynamics, sparking a rich dialogue on regret, guilt, and connection.

Dive into the concept of 'negative life,' a fascinating exploration of the tension between individual survival and the broader ecological narrative. The discussion critiques traditional views on human exceptionalism and encourages a deeper understanding of environmental ethics. It also unveils the symbolic barriers that complicate human-nature connections, calling out romanticized approaches in ecocriticism. Finally, the speakers tackle existentialism, reflecting on the interplay of brokenness and potential in shaping our future.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Joel Whitebook, a philosopher and psychoanalyst from Columbia University, delves into his major work on Freud's intellectual biography. He explores the intricacies of Freud's life and theories, emphasizing the interplay between personal experiences and intellectual achievements. Whitebook critiques resistance to introspection in therapy, discusses the fusion of Marxist and Freudian ideas, and reveals hidden traumas that informed Freud's work. He presents a fresh perspective on Freud's legacy as both timeless and relevant.

On this episode, J.J. Mull interviews scholar and historian Camille Robcis. In her most recent book, Disalienation: Politics, Philosophy, and Radical Psychiatry in Postwar France (University of Chicago Press, 2021), Robcis grapples with the historical, intellectual, psychiatric and psychoanalytic meaning of institutional psychotherapy as articulated at Saint-Alban Hospital in France by exploring the movement’s key thinkers, including François Tosquelles, Frantz Fanon, Félix Guattari, and Michel Foucault. Anchored in the history of one hospital, Robcis's study draws on a wide geographic context—revolutionary Spain, occupied France, colonial Algeria, and beyond—and charts the movement's place within a broad political-economic landscape, from fascism to Stalinism to postwar capitalism.J.J. Mull is a poet, training clinician, and graduate student at Smith College School for Social Work currently living in Northampton, MA. He can be reached at jmull@smith.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychoanalysis