Description
Book SynopsisThis book closely examines the analystâs early experiences and character traits, demonstrating the impact they have on theory building and technique. Arguing that choice of theory and interventions are unconsciously shaped by cliniciansâ early experiences, this book argues for greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and open dialogue as a corrective.
Linking the analystâs early childhood experiences to ongoing vulnerabilities reflected in theory and practice, this book favors an approach that focuses on feedback and confrontation, as well as empathic understanding and acceptance. Essential to this task, and a thesis that runs through the book, are analystsâ motivations for doing treatment and the gratifications they naturally seek. Maroda asserts that an enduring blind spot arises from cliniciansâ ongoing need to deny what they are personally seeking from the analytic process, including the need to rescue and be rescued. She equally seeks to remove the guilt and shame associ
Trade Review
"Karen Maroda’s new book is a tour de force. It is a remarkably candid discussion of the analyst’s vulnerability and the current controversies in psychoanalytic theory and practice. The author’s scope of knowledge is impressive. She openly discusses her own struggles with vulnerability and fully acknowledges that no analyst is free from narcissism. This refreshing candor is present in every chapter as she examines the various theories of therapeutic action. I highly recommend it to all psychotherapists. It will be a standard for years to come." -Glen Gabbard, MD, Author of Love and Hate in the Analytic Setting
"As one of the leading relational thinkers of our time, no one has tackled the subject of the analyst’s vulnerability as deftly and thoroughly as Karen Maroda. By examining what is often unspoken, undisclosed, and secret in the clinician’s life and consulting room, she opens up a permissible space to discuss and critique how the analyst’s early childhood experiences impact one’s intrapsychic and interpersonal development. Through a brave new expedition into psychoanalytic honesty, Maroda examines how we both sacrifice and gain from our therapeutic relationships. She astutely reminds us that good analytic work must include effective emotional engagement and authentic relatedness as an ethical expression of being." —Jon Mills, PsyD, PhD, ABPP, Postgraduate Programs in Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy, Adelphi University; author of Debating Relational Psychoanalysis.
"Central to the human condition and often a motivating factor in choosing to become a psychoanalyst, until now, the clinician’s vulnerability has largely been neglected in the literature. In this beautifully written volume, Karen Maroda corrects for that by exploring the numerous ways in which analyst fragility, sensitivity and other expressions of humanity directly impact psychoanalytic treatment. Breaking new ground and generously illustrated with clinical examples throughout, this important book deserves a central spot in every psychotherapist’s library, regardless of theoretical orientation." - Dr. Steven Kuchuck, President, International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Author, The Relational Revolution in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Editor, Clinical Implications of the Psychoanalyst’s Subjectivity
'Karen Maroda’s new book is a tour de force. It is a remarkably candid discussion of the analyst’s vulnerability and the current controversies in psychoanalytic theory and practice. The author’s scope of knowledge is impressive. She openly discusses her own struggles with vulnerability and fully acknowledges that no analyst is free from narcissism. This refreshing candor is present in every chapter as she examines the various theories of therapeutic action. I highly recommend it to all psychotherapists. It will be a standard for years to come.'
Glen Gabbard, MD, Author of Love and Hate in the Analytic Setting
'As one of the leading relational thinkers of our time, no one has tackled the subject of the analyst’s vulnerability as deftly and thoroughly as Karen Maroda. By examining what is often unspoken, undisclosed, and secret in the clinician’s life and consulting room, she opens up a permissible space to discuss and critique how the analyst’s early childhood experiences impact one’s intrapsychic and interpersonal development. Through a brave new expedition into psychoanalytic honesty, Maroda examines how we both sacrifice and gain from our therapeutic relationships. She astutely reminds us that good analytic work must include effective emotional engagement and authentic relatedness as an ethical expression of being.'
Jon Mills, PsyD, PhD, ABPP, Postgraduate Programs in Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy, Adelphi University; Author of Debating Relational Psychoanalysis
'Central to the human condition and often a motivating factor in choosing to become a psychoanalyst, until now, the clinician’s vulnerability has largely been neglected in the literature. In this beautifully written volume, Karen Maroda corrects for that by exploring the numerous ways in which analyst fragility, sensitivity and other expressions of humanity directly impact psychoanalytic treatment. Breaking new ground and generously illustrated with clinical examples throughout, this important book deserves a central spot in every psychotherapist’s library, regardless of theoretical orientation.'
Dr. Steven Kuchuck, President, International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy; Author, The Relational Revolution in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Editor, Clinical Implications of the Psychoanalyst’s Subjectivity
Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I The Analyst as a Person 1. The analyst’s early experiences 2. Managing the analyst’s needs 3. The analyst’s narcissistic vulnerability Part II The Analyst as Clinician 4. Conflict and negative countertransference 5. Deconstructing enactment 6. Myths about empathy and mirror neurons 7. Therapeutic action Conclusion
