From Budapest to Psychoanalysis: Three Portraits and their Analytic Frames

This book explores the personal and professional journeys of three Jewish women from Budapest who were classmates in the same high school. It explores the impact of the Shoah on their development as psychoanalysts and the social, cultural, and political milieu in which they traveled. The authors provide autobiographical accounts of their psychoanalytic evolution and interconnectedness, offering clinical vignettes to illustrate their respective perspectives. The book is informative and fascinating for psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, and the general public.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound and intricate personal and professional journeys of three remarkable Jewish women from Budapest, who were once classmates in the same high school. Through their narratives, the author vividly portrays how these women and their families were indelibly marked by the tragic events of the Shoah, a period of unfathomable suffering and loss. The book also explores the profound impact of the social, cultural, and political milieu in which these women traveled on their development as psychoanalysts.

In the introductory chapter, Hungarian psychoanalyst Judit Mészáros provides a comprehensive historical overview of Hungarian Jewry during the Shoah and the Soviet era. She sheds light on the complex web of circumstances that led to the mass deportation and extermination of the Jewish community, as well as the resilience and perseverance of those who managed to survive. Mészáros' insights offer a valuable context for understanding the personal experiences of the three authors.

The three authors then take center stage, offering autobiographical accounts of their own psychoanalytic evolution and the interconnectedness of their lives. They describe their motivations for emigrating from Hungary, the challenges they faced in their new environments, and the gradual process of acculturation that shaped their identities. The authors vividly recount their struggles to establish themselves as clinicians in their adopted homelands, navigating the complexities of different analytic cultures and training experiences.

Through their narratives, the authors shed light on how their theoretical orientations and clinical styles were shaped by the diverse analytic environments they encountered. They discuss the influence of their training, mentors, and personal histories on their approach to psychoanalysis. The book includes clinical vignettes that illustrate the authors' respective psychoanalytic perspectives, providing a deeper understanding of their therapeutic approaches.

The book concludes with an afterword by American psychoanalyst Adrienne Harris, who reflects on the authors' immigration experiences alongside her own. Harris offers a poignant commentary on the shared struggles and triumphs of immigrants, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, this book is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring human spirit. It offers a profound exploration of the personal and professional journeys of three Jewish women from Budapest, shedding light on the impact of historical events on their lives and the profound ways in which they have shaped their psychoanalytic perspectives. The book will be of immense interest to psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, and the general public alike, as it provides valuable insights into the complexities of human development and the therapeutic process.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032307701