New Books in Psychoanalysis

The figure of Sigmund Freud has captivated the Western imagination like few others. One hundred and twenty-five years after the publication of Studies on Hysteria, the good doctor from Vienna continues to stir controversy in institutions, academic circles, and nuclear households across the world. Perhaps Freud’s sharpest and most adamant critic, Frederick Crews has been debating Freud’s legacy for over thirty years. His latest work, Freud: The Making of an Illusion (Picador, 2018) challenges us with an extensive psychological profile of the legend here revealed as scam artist. What some analysts might argue to be a 750 page character assassination, Crews maintains is simply a recitation of facts which leaves readers to draw their own conclusions. One might wonder if the story of facts that is conveyed is not itself a counter myth.Was Freud a megalomaniacal, greedy, cocaine-addled opportunist and psychoanalysis a pseudoscience that has reigned tyrannically over twentieth century thought? Making use of Freud’s extensive letters to Martha Bernays, Crews paints a “damning portrait” (Esquire) of a money hungry, adulterous, and uncaring man. How can this portrait be reconciled with the radically meaningful and deeply transformative process many of us know psychoanalysis to be? Is the tyranny of rationality preferable to the tyranny of myth? Does the unmaking of the myth of the man undo the gift of his work?In this interview Crews responds to questions of what it means to have an empirical attitude, how we should “test” the process of healing, what’s so tempting about Freud, and what should become of psychoanalysis today. Meticulously researched, the Crews of the Freud wars is back again, and he’s going in for the kill shot.Cassandra B. Seltman is a writer, psychoanalyst, and researcher in NYC. cassandraseltman@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychoanalysis

James Baldwin’s “Going to Meet the Man” is a powerful short story that describes the life of Jesse, a 42-year-old white police officer whose experiences alternate between his present-day struggles with impotence and his memories of racial violence. As the narrative unfolds a pivotal childhood memory of a lynching, sets the tone and comes to represent the fundamental weakness of white supremacy. His need for racist violence to regain potency suggests that the system of white supremacy requires constant reinforcement to maintain itself. Projective identification, a powerful mechanism of defense, also plays a significant role in exploring the complex psychological dynamics of racism and its impact on both the oppressor and the oppressed.Dr. Karyne E. Messina is a psychologist and child, adolescent and adult psychoanalyst. In addition to maintaining a full-time private practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland, she is on the medical staff of Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland which is part of Johns Hopkins Medicine. She is a podcast host for the New Books Network and chair of the Department of Psychoanalytic Education’s (DPE) Scholarship and Writing section which is part of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA). She is a member of the AI Council of APsA (CAI). She has also written and edited seven books. Her topics focus on applying psychoanalytic ideas to real-world issues we all face in our complex world.Dr. Felecia Powell-Williams is a child and adolescent supervising psychoanalyst at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies in Houston, Texas, where she also holds the position of President of Board of Directors. Dr. Felecia Powell-Williams is also a faculty member in the Child and Adult Training Programs. In addition, she provides clinical supervision for the State of Texas licensing board, as well as supervision as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with the Association for Play Therapy. She is also the chair of the Department of Psychoanalytic Education’s (DPE) Diversity section which is part of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychoanalysis

Desy Safán-Gerard, a psychoanalyst and painter, dives into the fascinating relationship between chaos and control in creativity. She explores how accidents can fuel artistic expression and how emotions like envy and forgiveness shape the creative process. Safán-Gerard shares personal insights, highlighting the importance of acknowledging destructiveness as part of artistic growth. The conversation also touches on the therapeutic potential of art, examining how personal struggles can transform into powerful creative works.

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.