Psychoanalytic Complexity

Psychoanalytic Complexity
Author: William J. Coburn
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 137
Release: 2014-01-03
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1317931467

Psychoanalytic Complexity is the application of a multidisciplinary, explanatory theory to clinical psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. It carries with it incisive and pivotal attitudes that aim to transform our understanding of therapeutic action and the change process. Here, William Coburn offers a revolutionary and far-reaching counterpoint to the remnants of Cartesianism and scientism, respecting and encouraging human anomaly rather than pathologizing or obliterating the uniqueness of the individual person. In Psychoanaltyic Complexity, William Coburn explores the value of complexity theory previously understood as an explanatory framework with which clinicians can better understand, retrospectively, therapeutic action and the change process. He further extends this sensibility by examining the ways in which such a rich theoretical framework can inform what clinicians can do, prospectively, to effect positive change within the therapeutic relationship. He persuasively argues that the medium of bringing to light new ways of relating, emotional experiencing, and meaning making resides in the fundamental attitudes derived from a complexity theory sensibility as applied to psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. Using a variety of clinical illustrations throughout, Psychoanalytic Complexity is a radical corrective to reductionism and the more traditional presumption that the problem lies with the patient and the cure lies with the therapist. It offers a new language, vocabulary, way of thinking, and a new way of being with others that are pivotal in arriving at affirmative therapeutic change. This book is intended for psychoanalysts, clinical psychologists, therapists, mental health counsellors, academics and teachers who are interested in new trends in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy.

Psychoanalysis and Ecology at the Edge of Chaos

Psychoanalysis and Ecology at the Edge of Chaos
Author: Joseph Dodds
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 294
Release: 2012-03-12
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1136585958

This book argues that psychoanalysis has a unique role to play in the climate change debate through its placing emphasis on the unconscious dimensions of our mental and social lives. Exploring contributions from Freudian, Kleinian, Object Relations, Self Psychology, Jungian, and Lacanian traditions, the book discusses how psychoanalysis can help to unmask the anxieties, deficits, conflicts, phantasies and defences crucial in understanding the human dimension of the ecological crisis. Yet despite being essential to studying environmentalism and its discontents, psychoanalysis still remains largely a 'psychology without ecology.' The philosophy of Deleuze and Guattari, combined with new developments in the sciences of complexity, help us to build upon the best of these perspectives, providing a framework able to integrate Guattari's 'three ecologies' of mind, nature and society. This book thus constitutes a timely attempt to contribute towards a critical dialogue between psychoanalysis and ecology. Further topics of discussion include: ecopsychology and the greening of psychotherapy our ambivalent relationship to nature and the non-human complexity theory in psychoanalysis and ecology defence mechanisms against eco-anxiety and eco-grief Deleuze|Guattari and the three ecologies becoming-animal in horror and eco-apocalypse in science fiction films nonlinear ecopsychoanalysis. In our era of anxiety, denial, paranoia, apathy, guilt, hope, and despair in the face of climate change, this book offers a fresh and insightful psychoanalytic perspective on the ecological crisis. As such this book will be of great interest to all those in the fields of psychoanalysis, psychology, philosophy, and ecology, as well as all who are concerned with the global environmental challenges affecting our planet's future.

Nonlinear Psychoanalysis

Nonlinear Psychoanalysis
Author: Robert M. Galatzer-Levy
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2017-06-26
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1351970216

Nonlinear concepts from chaos theory, complexity studies, and fractal geometry have transformed the way we think about the mind. Nonlinear Psychoanalysis shows how nonlinear dynamics can be integrated with psychoanalytic thinking to shed new light on psychological development, therapeutic processes, and fundamental psychoanalytic concepts. Starting with a personal history of the author’s engagement with nonlinear dynamics and psychoanalysis, this book describes how his approach applies to diagnosis of psychological conditions, concepts of normal and pathological development, gender, research methods, and finally the theory and practice of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy. This book is full of new ideas about the basic nonlinear processes of human development, nonlinear views of gender and fundamental psychoanalytic process like working through, and the nature of the therapeutic process as conceptualized in terms of the theory of coupled oscillators. Galatzer-Levy questions many standard psychoanalytic formulations and points to a freer practice of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic thinking. His new approach opens the reader’s eyes to ways in which development and treatment can occur through processes not now included in standard psychoanalytic theory. The book not only provides useful theories but also helps readers take note of commonly passed over phenomena that were unseen for lack of a theory to explain them. Galatzer-Levy brings an unusual combination of training in psychiatry, psychoanalysis, and mathematics to this unique study, which summarizes his forty years of exploration of nonlinearity and psychoanalysis. Nonlinear Psychoanalysis will appeal to psychoanalysts and psychotherapists as well as students of nonlinear dynamics systems.

The Non-Linear Mind

The Non-Linear Mind
Author: James Rose
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 234
Release: 2018-03-29
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0429921578

This book is concerned with whether we can develop our understanding of the mind through the application of new approaches to the study of complex systems. It is divided into two sections. The first is concerned with the application of non-linear systems theory to the psychoanalytic study of the mind. The second is concerned with the technical application of the ideas of chaos theory to the understanding of therapeutic action and psychic change. It concludes with a consideration of the research and clinical implications of considering the mind as a non-linear system.

Self-Organizing Complexity in Psychological Systems

Self-Organizing Complexity in Psychological Systems
Author: Craig Piers
Publisher: Jason Aronson, Incorporated
Total Pages: 197
Release: 2007-04-18
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1461630657

Self-Organizing Complexity in Psychological Systems offers a contemporary perspective on the mind through a compilation of original chapters written by some of the leading researchers in the area of complexity theory. In each of the chapters, the authors attempt to use complexity theory to inform and in some cases reformulate existing theories of brain function (Freeman; Grigsby & Osuch), personality (Grigsby & Osuch), psychic organization and structure (Goldstein; Piers), human development (Demos), psychopathology (Palombo; Piers) and psychotherapeutic change (Palombo).

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Author: Nancy McWilliams
Publisher: Guilford Press
Total Pages: 380
Release: 2004-03-18
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1606235826

Addressing the art and science of psychodynamic treatment, Nancy McWilliams distills the essential principles of clinical practice, including effective listening and talking; transference and countertransference; emotional safety; and an empathic, attuned attitude toward the patient. The book describes the values, assumptions, and clinical and research findings that guide the psychoanalytic enterprise, and shows how to integrate elements of other theoretical perspectives. It discusses the phases of treatment and covers such neglected topics as educating the client about the therapeutic process, handling complex challenges to boundaries, and attending to self-care. Presenting complex information in personal, nontechnical language enriched by in-depth clinical vignettes, this is an essential psychoanalytic work and training text for therapists.

New Developments in Self Psychology Practice

New Developments in Self Psychology Practice
Author: Peter Buirski
Publisher: Jason Aronson, Incorporated
Total Pages: 267
Release: 2007-10-23
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 146162973X

It has been 35 years since the publication of Heinz Kohut's monumental book, The Analysis of the Self, in 1971, and in this period self psychology has undergone a vibrant and exciting evolution that has significantly influenced and expanded the range of psychoanalytic thinking. While undergoing this change, self psychology has kept the developmental importance of self-object relatedness and the primacy of subjective experience as central tenets of the theory. But where other theories of mind can tend to stagnate and resist innovations that transcend their founding figure, Kohut's self psychology continues to grow in depth, complexity and richness. Indeed one of the great strengths of the self psychology movement has been the openness of the succeeding generations to push the theoretical envelope—to entertain, examine and integrate new understandings and perspectives. New Developments in Self Psychology Practice gives voice to many of these developments, reflected in its four sections. The first section examines complexity theory, attachment theory and the work of the Boston Change Study Group. The second section is concerned with the treatment of children, while the third section examines various treatment modalities such as family therapy, group therapy, and supervisory process. The final section looks at diversity, difference, and otherness within both the therapeutic dyad and therapeutic community and considers how shame, enactments and traumatic experiences influence the therapeutic process.

Complexity and Group Processes

Complexity and Group Processes
Author: Ralph D. Stacey
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 367
Release: 2003-03-06
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1135479526

This book suggests an alternative way of understanding human relating. Highly relevant not only for therapeutic groups but also those who are managing, leading and working in organizations.

Enriching Psychoanalysis

Enriching Psychoanalysis
Author: John Turtz
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 122
Release: 2022-09-02
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1000650715

This compelling collection illuminates new models and metaphors taken from the contemporary sciences and philosophical thought to revitalize and recontextualize psychoanalysis for the 21st century. The exploration of quantum mechanics, chaos and complexity theory, epigenetics, and neuropsychoanalysis provides the reader with new layers of meaning and understanding that in turn lead to an enriching of psychoanalytic theory and a deepening of experience in the consulting office. The intersection of psychoanalysis, contemporary sciences, and philosophy leads the reader to new worlds that can transform the lens from which one views the psychoanalytic process. Written for psychoanalysts and psychotherapists, as well as scholars of psychoanalysis that are interested in the intersection of psychoanalysis, contemporary science, and philosophy, Enriching Psychoanalysis: Integrating Concepts from Contemporary Science and Philosophy expands the focus and meaning of current psychoanalytic theory and practice.

Clinical Psychoanalytic Case Studies with Complex Patients

Clinical Psychoanalytic Case Studies with Complex Patients
Author: Anne Zachary
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 225
Release: 2023-10-02
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1000959058

Clinical Psychoanalytic Case Studies with Complex Patients is a collection of key case studies that provides a rich resource of information and inspiration for clinicians working psychoanalytically with complex and disturbed patients in a range of contexts. The book is presented in six parts, each introduced with commentary that puts the material into context. It covers a range of topics including autism, violence and perversion, psychosomatics, hysteria, dementia, psychosis and assessment of gender dysphoria. Each chapter presents either a single case study or a selection of case vignettes, examines necessary context and presents additional detail about subsequent treatment. The depth and range of the cases presented provide key insight into and detailed consideration of risk assessment, safe settings and other important preliminary issues. Clinical Psychoanalytic Case Studies with Complex Patients will be of great interest to psychoanalysts in practice and in training, psychoanalytic psychotherapists and other clinicians seeking an introduction to psychoanalytic work.