Psychoanalytic practice today: a post-bionian introduction to psychopathology, affect and emotions

Abstract

whilst the horizontal axis shows how sense can be made of the beta unprocessed elements, with any consequent failure to do so resulting in disturbing sensory data being experienced by the patient in crisis. The concept of ‘O’, as outlined by Bion, is constantly returned to throughout this book, in particular through dream material. For Bion ‘O’ represented the aim of psychoanalysis and was about seeking the truth, rather than trying to make a patient better. The concept of ‘O’ continues to be debated and valued by many, as well as being open to further interpretation and understanding. For some British analysts, however, it can be seen as overly esoteric, and at times confusing in its many different renderings. As I understand it, the intention, according to Bion, is to be aiming for “transformations in ‘O’ within the analyst”; this involves the ‘indivisibility of the transference-counter transference in the analyst’s reverie’, that is the analyst has to feel the actual agony and anguish expressed by the patient. Part II of the book offers chapters on clinical presentations and thinking on issues of abandonment, exclusion, rage and shame, jealousy, betrayals, surprise, contempt, and sadness. Attention is paid in great detail, theoretically and with live cases, to all these issues, which one could say inevitably dominate any therapeutic practice. Chapter 12 ‘Betrayals. Psychoanalytic Pathways in the works of James Joyce’ by Fulvio Mazzacane, however, focusses entirely on Joyce’s literary work, which he maintains is concerned with the theme of betrayal in the most important relationships, whether personal or in terms of country of origin. This is a rich addition to this collection, and though not without description of pain and distress, it does bring some light relief as fiction often can to the reader. In conclusion, what is striking throughout this book is the openness and honest self-awareness that each analyst brings to their therapeutic engagement, on occasions referencing what they acknowledge as their own shortcomings. Nicoli Luca, in Chapter 14, ‘Contempt’, notes that on one occasion he effectively forgot to arrive in time at his consulting room to meet with a new oncea-week patient. He acknowledges his own unwitting disregard of the patient, that is his contempt, as this was not a ‘proper’, high frequency analysis. Antonino Ferro is an original thinker who believes psychoanalysis must always be open to new developments and theories, but at the same time pays 280 Book Review