Posts about Psychoanalysis
On October 2nd
covering Psychoanalysis
One of the great enduring clichés about psychoanalysis and deep psychotherapy is that it’s all about delving deeply into the past. It is true that we’re really interested in the totality of experiences that make a person the person they are, including early development and family relationships.
But a thing that happens when we meet several times a week, as we do in psychoanalysis, is that we get closer and closer to the present moment. What a delicious paradox.
Here’s how it works: when a person comes in for the first time, they have to tell all about who they are and where it hurts, where they’ve come from and want they want. After a while when we’re used to one another, it becomes more about how it’s going this week or today, plus all of the connections we make with their experiences in the past. They might start to find their feelings are not as mysterious, and they might begin to feel better. Read more »
On September 22nd
covering Bloggery, Consulting, Psychoanalysis
My colleague Kenneth Eisold has a blog.
On September 18th
covering Creativity, Life, Psychoanalysis
I am still troubled and sad about the passing of David Foster Wallace — and I’m in touch with many others who share this feeling. It seems apropos to say a word or two about suicide.
It’s hard to keep away from the question of what the suicide’s real state of mind was — a question we can’t answer. A suicide leaves such a toxic stew of pain, guilt and anger among the survivors that one interpretation is that this is an act of terrific hostility and selfishness - a gift that keeps on giving, a massive stink-bomb of an exit. This is a hard thing to think about a person we love and esteem, and it’s not the only possibility. I do not think this of Mr. Wallace. Everyone says he was a thoroughly decent fellow, and there is some wishful thinking on my part. I do not want to be angry at him for doing this to his family, his wife, his students, and to all of us. Read more »
On August 29th
covering 100 days, Group 8020, Psychoanalysis
My 100-day plan with Group 8020 continues to move along, and I’m understanding more about what it’s going to be.
Our story so far is this: I’ve got a bunch of projects, interests, and experiences that go outside of my traditional psychology/ psychoanalysis practice. This “other” category is called consulting — it’s applying what I’ve learned out in the world, not limited to the treatment or amelioration of emotional problems. Sort of a free-range application of psychology, psychoanalysis and everything else I’ve picked up along the way.
The mix has included a long-standing interest in musicians and music groups; group psychology; the world of work and business; the psychology of the performer, and the unconscious yearnings that drive all of these things. Read more »
On August 27th
covering creative partnerships, Group psychology, Music Ensembles, Psychoanalysis, Teams
This study from Baylor has been making the rounds. I recommend watching the short videos in the sidebars. It’s a good study, even if I think the researchers miss the best implications.
They focus on one aspect of Borderline Personality Disorder: people with this condition have a very hard time judging what is fair in a give-and-take situation. They will often feel persecuted and deeply unsafe. They will genuinely feel they are getting the short end of the stick, even when others have made huge concessions. Others perceive them as hugely selfish.
My point is not to diagnose your bandmates or fellow hackers/entrepreneurs with a personality disorder, satisfying as that may be. If you don’t know what this disorder is, don’t worry. My point is to shed light on the group-house syndrome. Read more »
