Case Studies in Relational Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis

This book brings the reader behind the closed door of the psychotherapy office through a selection of nine riveting psychotherapy and psychoanalytic case studies.

Each story delves into the hearts and minds of memorable patients and their therapist, as they grapple with loss, betrayal, anxiety, depression, suicidality, substance abuse and other symptoms. With a strong relational focus, the author examines the mis-attunements, ruptures, and enactments that occurred in each treatment and explores in each case what she might have done differently—if she could turn back time. Each story is brought to life with her warm, empathic style and honest reflections, as she shares her thoughts, feelings, reveries, and clinical decision-making in the treatment room. The myriads of emotional challenges in each case study will resonate deeply with anyone who has been in therapy, and with both new and seasoned clinicians.

With a warm and accessible style and wonderful attention to detail, this book is an essential reading for psychoanalysts and psychotherapists wanting to get a better understanding of how to work with challenging patients, and for anyone interested in understanding the unique challenges of psychoanalytic work.