Moments of Uncertainty in Therapeutic Practice

Interpreting Within the Matrix of Projective Identification, Countertransference, and Enactment

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Psychotherapy
Cover of the book Moments of Uncertainty in Therapeutic Practice by Robert Waska, , Ph.D., Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert Waska, , Ph.D. ISBN: 9780231525237
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: November 8, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
ISBN: 9780231525237
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: November 8, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

One of therapy's greatest challenges is the moment of transference, when a patient unconsciously transfers emotion or desire to a new and present object-in some cases the therapist. During the course of treatment, a patient's projections and the analyst's struggle to divert them can stress, distort, or contaminate the therapeutic relationship. It may lead to various forms of enactment, in which the therapist unconsciously colludes with the client in interpretation and treatment, or it can lead to projective identification, in which the client imposes negative feelings and behaviors onto the therapist, further interfering with analysis and intervention.

Drawing on decades of clinical case experience, Robert Waska leads practitioners through the steps of phantasy and transference mechanisms and their ability to increase, oppose, embrace, or neutralize analytic contact. Operating from a psychoanalytic perspective, he explains how to cope professionally with moments of transference and maintain an objective interpretive stance within the ongoing matrix of projective identification, countertransference, and enactment. Each chapter discusses a wide spectrum of cases and clinical situations, describing in detail the processes that invite a playing out of the patient's phantasies and the work required to reestablish balance. Refreshingly candid, Waska recognizes the imperfections of analysis yet reaffirms its potential for greater psychological integration and stability for the patient. He acknowledges the limits and frequent roadblocks of working with difficult patients, such as those who suffer from psychic retreat, paranoid phantasies, and depressive anxieties, yet he indicates an effective path for resetting the clinical moment and redirecting the course for treatment.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

One of therapy's greatest challenges is the moment of transference, when a patient unconsciously transfers emotion or desire to a new and present object-in some cases the therapist. During the course of treatment, a patient's projections and the analyst's struggle to divert them can stress, distort, or contaminate the therapeutic relationship. It may lead to various forms of enactment, in which the therapist unconsciously colludes with the client in interpretation and treatment, or it can lead to projective identification, in which the client imposes negative feelings and behaviors onto the therapist, further interfering with analysis and intervention.

Drawing on decades of clinical case experience, Robert Waska leads practitioners through the steps of phantasy and transference mechanisms and their ability to increase, oppose, embrace, or neutralize analytic contact. Operating from a psychoanalytic perspective, he explains how to cope professionally with moments of transference and maintain an objective interpretive stance within the ongoing matrix of projective identification, countertransference, and enactment. Each chapter discusses a wide spectrum of cases and clinical situations, describing in detail the processes that invite a playing out of the patient's phantasies and the work required to reestablish balance. Refreshingly candid, Waska recognizes the imperfections of analysis yet reaffirms its potential for greater psychological integration and stability for the patient. He acknowledges the limits and frequent roadblocks of working with difficult patients, such as those who suffer from psychic retreat, paranoid phantasies, and depressive anxieties, yet he indicates an effective path for resetting the clinical moment and redirecting the course for treatment.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Sewing Women by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book The Undiscovered Dewey by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book The Return of the Unicorns by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book Dying to Be Men by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book Industry and Intelligence by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book Up from Invisibility by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book No Return, No Refuge by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book Hollywood from Vietnam to Reagan . . . and Beyond by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book River Republic by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book The World’s First Stock Exchange by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book Dogs by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book Anatheism by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book Sex Trafficking in the United States by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book Religion and Ecology by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
Cover of the book Studios Before the System by Robert Waska, , Ph.D.
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy