Psychoanalysis and Anxiety: From Knowing to Being

Psychoanalysis and Anxiety: From Knowing to Being combines psychoanalytic, existential, and dramaturgical perspectives to explore the study of anxiety, emphasizing the unity of psychoanalysis and existentialism in understanding the irreducible fact of anxiety. It discusses the distinction between anxiety and fear, the treatment of anxiety by philosophers, and the contributions of major psychoanalytic theorists. The book also explores how drama principles relate to therapeutic practice and theory, including a re-evaluation of catharsis and Brechts concept of making strange the familiar. The concluding section reconsiders the pursuit of insightful knowledge in psychoanalysis, shifting emphasis from psychoanalytic interpretations to interpretive activity as a continuous process of becoming informed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 26 February 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Psychoanalysis and Anxiety: From Knowing to Being is a comprehensive exploration of the study of anxiety, drawing from psychoanalytic, existential, and dramaturgical perspectives. The book delves into the implications of considering the patient's being and the analyst's existence within the realm of psychoanalysis. Central to the book's philosophy is the notion that psychoanalysis and existentialism are interconnected, as anxiety serves as the fundamental factor that unites them. It is through the lens of anxiety that we find solace and support from other human beings, enabling us to bear the weight of what is and who we are.

The book is organized into four sections, each addressing different aspects of anxiety. The first section explores the historical distinction between anxiety and fear, highlighting the treatment of anxiety by philosophers such as Heidegger, who regarded it as the most revealing aspect of our being, and Kierkegaard, who distinguished between fear and angst. The second section delves into the understanding of anxiety by prominent psychoanalytic theorists, including Freud, Klein, Winnicott, and Bion. It examines their perspectives on anxiety, its origins, and its impact on individuals. The third section explores the relationship between drama and therapeutic practice, discussing key principles such as catharsis and Brecht's concept of making strange the familiar. It examines how drama can be used as a tool for therapeutic intervention and understanding.

In the concluding section, the book reconsiders the pursuit of insightful knowledge in psychoanalysis. It shifts the emphasis from psychoanalytic interpretations as statements of knowing to interpretive activity as a continuous process of becoming informed. The author emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning and growth in the field of psychoanalysis, recognizing that the journey of self-discovery and understanding is an ongoing one.

Psychoanalysis and Anxiety: From Knowing to Being is a valuable resource for practicing psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, mental health professionals, as well as scholars of philosophy and theatre. It offers a rich and nuanced understanding of anxiety, its origins, and its impact on individuals and society. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book provides a comprehensive framework for exploring the complexities of the human mind and psyche.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 229 x 168 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367152277