The Technique and Practice of Psychoanalysis

This systematic and comprehensive volume, written in a lively and clear style, is devoted essentially to the fundamentals of psychoanalytic technique: transference and resistance. Dr. Greenson approaches psychoanalytic technique from a classical theoretical framework, but he frequently gives an entirely fresh view of traditionally accepted procedures. His most important new contribution consists in the clear distinction between the patient's 'real relationship' to the analyst, the 'working alliance', and the transference relationship. His discussion of the contradictory and often conflicting demands which each of these elements makes on the technical skills of the analyst is particularly illuminating. In many fascinating case illustrations, he shows how the analyst carries out therapeutic psychoanalysis while respecting the diversity of psychic constellations in different patients and at different points in their analyses. This book can be recommended - without qualification - to the beginning student because of the thorough clarification and documentation of the basic principles of psychoanalytic technique. At the same time, experienced analysts and teachers will appreciate and be stimulated by Dr. Greenson's open-minded discussion of some unsolved problems and issues in psycho-analytic practice.

This systematic and comprehensive volume, written in a lively and clear style, is devoted essentially to the fundamentals of psychoanalytic technique: transference and resistance. Dr. Greenson approaches psychoanalytic technique from a classical theoretical framework, but he frequently gives an entirely fresh view of traditionally accepted procedures. His most important new contribution consists in the clear distinction between the patient's 'real relationship' to the analyst, the 'working alliance', and the transference relationship. His discussion of the contradictory and often conflicting demands which each of these elements makes on the technical skills of the analyst is particularly illuminating. In many fascinating case illustrations, he shows how the analyst carries out therapeutic psychoanalysis while respecting the diversity of psychic constellations in different patients and at different points in their analyses. This book can be recommended - without qualification - to the beginning student because of the thorough clarification and documentation of the basic principles of psychoanalytic technique. At the same time, experienced analysts and teachers will appreciate and be stimulated by Dr. Greenson's open-minded discussion of some unsolved problems and issues in psycho-analytic practice.

The exciting discovery of several incomplete chapters of Ralph R. Greenson's long awaited Volume II of The Technique and Practice of Psychoanalysis form the cornerstone of this memorial to a man considered by many to be the best clinical psychoanalyst of his generation. Using the detailed outlines of the chapters that Greenson had intended to write, the editors have solicited prominent American psychoanalysts to cover the planned content areas. Such adherence to Greenson's plan makes this a worthy companion to Volume I.One of the most important contributions of Volume I was its elucidation of the clinical implications of the structural model. The contributors to Volume II continue this theoretical heritage as they use the advances in theory of technique to expand on the areas Greenson deemed important. The interpretative process, for example, is examined in detail. So are the issues of suitability and the technical problems posed by acting out and by countertransference. The analytic process is examined with particular emphases on working through, dream interpretation, and the termination phase. Other areas deemed important by the editors also receive emphasis; these include the goals of psychoanalysis and analytic work with sicker patients.In keeping with Greenson's interest in the clinical encounter, this book is a teaching volume for practicing clinicians. A consistent clinical emphasis with the use of vignettes or lengthier case examples maintains a clinical focus that will make this volume invaluable for both the student as well as the experienced psychoanalyst. Sufficient clinical examples are provided to allow for the easy commerce between theory and technique that made Volume I so valuable.

The exciting discovery of several incomplete chapters of Ralph R. Greenson's long awaited Volume II of The Technique and Practice of Psychoanalysis form the cornerstone of this memorial to a man considered by many to be the best clinical psychoanalyst of his generation. Using the detailed outlines of the chapters that Greenson had intended to write, the editors have solicited prominent American psychoanalysts to cover the planned content areas. Such adherence to Greenson's plan makes this a worthy companion to Volume I.One of the most important contributions of Volume I was its elucidation of the clinical implications of the structural model. The contributors to Volume II continue this theoretical heritage as they use the advances in theory of technique to expand on the areas Greenson deemed important. The interpretative process, for example, is examined in detail. So are the issues of suitability and the technical problems posed by acting out and by countertransference. The analytic process is examined with particular emphases on working through, dream interpretation, and the termination phase. Other areas deemed important by the editors also receive emphasis; these include the goals of psychoanalysis and analytic work with sicker patients.In keeping with Greenson's interest in the clinical encounter, this book is a teaching volume for practicing clinicians. A consistent clinical emphasis with the use of vignettes or lengthier case examples maintains a clinical focus that will make this volume invaluable for both the student as well as the experienced psychoanalyst. Sufficient clinical examples are provided to allow for the easy commerce between theory and technique that made Volume I so valuable.