Click Here to Read: Psychoanalytic Work in Today’s World: What Would Freud Think? by Jane S. Hall
Presentation given at Metropolitan Institute for Training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (MITPP), 2009. Mt. Sinai Dept. of Psychiatry, 2010.
From the Presentation:
It is 2009: 100 years since Freud brought psychoanalysis to America delivering his introductory lectures at Clark University. The world has changed vastly since Freud created his baby. What kid of parent would he have been during separation/individuation, adolescence, and adulthood? And, just what is psychoanalytic work in today’s world? This paper touches on the some of the developmental difficulties of psychoanalysis, and suggests that, unlike Freud and his disciples, we try to listen to each other with open minds and a learning ears. We must respect the separation/individuation phase and cultivate our acceptance of “the other.” Individuation implies autonomy, seemingly at odds with institute life here in America. Factionalism during what some call the demise of psychoanalysis is suicidal. Listening to like minded individuals is soothing and helpful, but listening as well to those who challenge ‘received wisdom’ can lead to growth. As for psychoanalytic work – I will talk briefly about how I have evolved from my orthodox roots.