Growing a Psychoanalyst

ABSTRACT As I write my story of training, integration, graduation, terminating my analysis and continuing transformation, I hope to show that becoming an analyst is a non-linear developmental process. If it goes well enough, resistances are tenderized, their tough tendons become malleable, and the mind becomes better able to absorb the marinade. Our pain and mourning with a safe analyst are the tenderizers. If properly listened to, and cared about, we are better able to acknowledge our ongoing conflicts, test our newfound strengths, and hopefully look back at the panorama where we began. We get good enough help so we can offer good enough help. I offer my story as one way to grow into being a psychoanalyst.