Soul, the Mind, and the Psychoanalyst

David Rosenfeld is a consultant professor at Buenos Aires University; Faculty of Medicine in the Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry; a training analyst of the Buenos Aires Psychoanalytic Society, and a former Vice-President of the International Psychoanalytical Association

'This fine book is a distillation of the wisdom of an experienced psychoanalytic clinician who has worked systematically for many years in an effort to understand the meaning of his patients' serious suffering and what they demand of him to improve their lives. David Rosenfeld ranges across a wide variety of severe disturbances, particularly psychotic conditions, all of which present significant clinical challenges. What is striking when reading these accounts is Rosenfeld's comprehensive grasp of his patient's needs. He provides quiet but substantial containment; an unwavering interest in the meaning of his patient's communications; and a sensitive use of countertransference experiences to gradually bring into symbolic form the inchoate anxieties his patients need to have transformed. No mental health worker treating the severely disturbed should fail to add this book to their collection.'- Paul Williams, Joint Editor in Chief, International Journal of Psychoanalysis'A stirring exemplar of the praxis of an intensely dedicated and courageous analyst who undertakes the fully psychoanalytical treatment of the grossly psychotically ill. David Rosenfeld impresses us anew with what but a handful of our pioneers have shown us, the possibilities of committed psychoanalysis in rescuing even the deeply psychotic-and thus can embolden all of us our daily struggles with the demons in our patients' psyches.'- Robert S. Wallerstein, MD, Ex-President, International Psychoanalytical Association'All therapists will find instruction and material for reflection on their own practice in the abundant and very detailed clinical material presented.'- Alain de Mijolla, Editor Director, International Dictionary of Psychoanalysis'This book is a marvellous display of epistemological sophistication affirming the true value of analytic concepts not by the conclusions reached but through the methods of inquiry.'- Norbert Freedman, Member of the House of Delegates, International Psychoanalytical Association

• Foreword -- Preface -- September 11th: military dictatorship and psychotic episode—year 1973 -- Eating disorders: psychoanalytic technique -- Drug abuse, regression, and primitive object relations -- Psychotic addiction to video games -- Listening to and interpreting a psychotic patient -- Autistic encapsulation -- Psychotic body image -- Dialogue with Shakespeare and Jean-Paul Sartre about psychoanalysis and scientific methodology