Contemporary Freudian Tradition: Past and Present

This book is the first dedicated to the Contemporary Freudian Tradition, which describes the development and diversity of this tradition over recent decades. It emphasizes the clinical setting and the importance of the body and psychosexuality in promoting a deeper understanding of somatic symptoms and illnesses. It also illustrates how different exponents have been influenced by psychoanalytic thinking outside it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking work is the first of its kind, dedicated to the Contemporary Freudian Tradition. In its introduction, and through its carefully curated selection of papers, it provides a comprehensive account of the evolution and remarkable diversity of this tradition over the past few decades. It vividly showcases how theory and practice are intertwined in the psychoanalytic treatment of children, adolescents, and adults, highlighting the inseparable nature of these two aspects.

The book is structured around four central themes that define the Contemporary Freudian Tradition:
1. The Nature of the Unconscious: This theme explores the enigmatic realm of the unconscious and the various ways in which it manifests itself. It delves into the theories of the unconscious proposed by Sigmund Freud and further developed by his daughter, Anna Freud, and subsequent theorists. It examines the profound impact of the unconscious on human behavior, emotions, and mental processes.
2. The Extension of Freud's Theories of Development: This theme examines how Freud's theories of development have been expanded and enriched by subsequent theorists within the Contemporary Freudian Tradition. It explores the contributions of Anna Freud, as well as other influential figures, in understanding the psychological growth and transformation of individuals across different stages of life.
3. The Body and Psychosexuality: This theme focuses on the intricate relationship between the body and psychosexuality. It explores the significance of bodily experience in shaping individual development, including the emergence of sexual desires, feelings, and behaviors. It also examines the role of aggression in the psyche and its impact on interpersonal relationships.
4. The Influence of Psychoanalytic Thinking Beyond the Tradition: This theme acknowledges the influence of psychoanalytic thinking beyond the Contemporary Freudian Tradition. It explores how different exponents of the tradition have been influenced by psychoanalytic ideas from other schools of thought, such as the Kleinian and Independent Groups, as well as French Freudian thinking. It highlights the rich interplay of ideas and perspectives within the broader psychoanalytic community.

Throughout the book, there is a strong emphasis on the clinical setting, emphasizing the value of the Contemporary Freudian Tradition's approach to the complex interplay between body and mind in promoting a deeper understanding of somatic symptoms and illnesses. The authors highlight the importance of working with these symptoms in a therapeutic context, fostering a compassionate and empathetic approach that aims to alleviate suffering and promote healing.

In addition to these four central themes, the book includes four insightful papers on the subject of dreams within the Contemporary Freudian Tradition. These papers illustrate the ongoing importance accorded to dreams and dreaming in psychoanalytic treatment, highlighting the therapeutic potential of dream analysis in uncovering hidden emotions, conflicts, and patterns of behavior.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the living tradition of Freud's work as understood by one of the three major groups within British psychoanalysis. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the Contemporary Freudian Tradition, providing a deeper understanding of its theoretical foundations, clinical applications, and historical influences. Whether you are a student, practitioner, or scholar, this book will undoubtedly enrich your knowledge and appreciation of psychoanalytic theory and practice.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367483562