Learning to Influence in Psychoanalysis: Discussion and Review of Psychoanalytic Supervision by Nancy McWilliams

Abstract

When I was first asked to write a review essay based on Nancy McWilliams’ book on psychoanalytic supervision (2021) I was momentarily surprised. Apart from her published work on psychodiagnosis and treatment (1994, 1999, 2004, 2011, and 2017 (with Lingiardi)), Nancy McWilliams is so well known as a master teacher and supervisor that I had imagined that such a book had long ago been published. Now it has been. And it is very much what those who know the work of Nancy McWilliams have come to expect. It is plainspoken, clearly discussed, comprehensive, and written in a tone that is warm, friendly, and absolutely respectful of the intelligence of the reader. McWilliams wants to convey her understanding, what she has learned, her point of view. There is no playing with obscurity or arcane language, as can too often be found in psychoanalytic writing. Indeed, I think it is the very respect for readers’ intelligence that enables McWilliams to say things very personally. This is her book, her voice, and she expects that readers will be able to think for themselves. It is written from McWilliams’ vast, direct experience as a teacher and supervisor. She says from the outset that she is a believer in the usefulness of received wisdom, and she shares it. While comprehensive in scope—just about every aspect of supervision is brought up and addressed in some way here—McWilliams makes no pretense that this is a neutral, “textbook” survey of issues and points of view. In this book you get