Building Bridges: The Negotiation of Paradox in Psychoanalysis

Stuart A. Pizer's book "Building Bridges" emphasizes the importance of negotiation in the analytic relationship and therapeutic process. He explores how the straddling of paradox requires an ongoing process of negotiation and how this negotiation articulates the creative potential within the potential space of analysis. Pizer presents a model for the tolerance of paradox as a developmental achievement and explores the impact of trauma and dissociation on the child's ability to negotiate paradox. He also broadens the scope of his study by turning to negotiation theory and practices in law, diplomacy, and dispute resolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his groundbreaking book "Building Bridges," Stuart A. Pizer delves into the profound significance of negotiation in the analytic relationship and therapeutic process. Building upon a Winnicottian framework that views paradox as the key to preserving an intrapsychic and relational "potential space," Pizer explores the intricate dynamics of paradox negotiation. He demonstrates how this ongoing process fosters the expression of creativity within the confines of the analytic potential space.

Through a meticulous examination of Winnicott's paradoxical concepts, such as privacy and interrelatedness, isolation and interdependence, ruthlessness and concern, and transitional phenomena, Pizer identifies these fundamental paradoxes within the negotiations of the analytic process. He observes how the analyst and patient engage in a collaborative dance, navigating the boundaries, potentials, limits, tonalities, resistances, and meanings that shape their clinical dialogue. Pizer further develops the theme of a multiply constituted and "distributed" self, presenting a model for the tolerance of paradox as a developmental achievement linked to the ways in which caretakers serve as "transitional mirrors."

In his exploration of the impact of trauma and dissociation on the child's ability to negotiate paradox, Pizer sheds light on the unique challenges faced by individuals navigating complex psychological landscapes. He distinguishes between paradox negotiation and conflict negotiation, highlighting the distinct approaches required in each context. Furthermore, Pizer broadens the scope of his study by drawing upon negotiation theory and practices in the fields of law, diplomacy, and dispute resolution.

Enriched with numerous clinical vignettes and a detailed chronicle of an analytic case from its earliest negotiations to termination, "Building Bridges" adds a substantial dimension to theoretical understanding and clinical practice. This republished edition ensures that Pizer's insights remain accessible to a wider audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of negotiation in the realm of mental health.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032001685