Introduction

I have thought of writing down my thoughts about psychotherapy for many years, but trying to publish a book frankly seemed both intimidating and time-consuming. I'd rather spend the time working with patients or teaching other therapists. This blog is especially for all my students over the years, but also for anyone interested in doing psychodynamic/psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

I am strongly influenced by the work of Melanie Klein and others in the British Object Relations School, but no one practices for very long without absorbing a variety of influences. I am as likely to refer to Jung as Freud. Euripides and "6 Feet Under" both are reference points - among thousands of other elements in my life. I believe in relational work, having a subject and an object. Tom Ogden's book, "Subjects of Analysis", illuminates this concept better than anyone else I have read. My main teachers, of course, have been my patients.

My idea for this blog will be that I will alternate random thoughts with theoretical material. I plan to include some case material, which will be disguised. If any of my patients happen across this blog, please consider carefully if you really wish to keep reading. If you do, we need to talk about it!