The Analyst's Torment: Unbearable Mental States in Countertransference

Dhwani Shah's book explores the impact of analysts' feelings,subjective experiences,and histories on the intersubjective space between analyst and patient. He emphasizes the importance of emotional honesty and open reflection in the analytic work,and discusses uncomfortable themes such as arrogance,racism,dread,dissociation,shame,hopelessness,and jealousy. Shah describes painful and tormenting experiences in a clinically meaningful way that allows growth,making this a must-read for all practicing clinicians.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Phoenix Publishing House

Dhwani Shah shifts the focus of his approach from employing psychoanalytic theory and technique to explore the patient's mind from a safe distance. Instead, he delves into the analyst's own feelings, subjective experiences, and histories, examining how these elements shape the intersubjective space between the analyst and the patient. Spanning eight chapters, each dedicated to a specific emotional state or problematic feeling, Shah explores their profound impact on the analytic work, necessitating emotional honesty and open reflection. This authenticity is of utmost importance for every unique encounter within the shared space of both the analyst and the patient. The analyst must strive to be responsive yet disciplined, requiring the cultivation of mentalization. An ability to "go there" with patients offers the best chance of helping them. However, the analyst's own uncomfortable and disowned emotional states inevitably intertwine with the therapeutic process, holding the potential to either hinder or facilitate progress.

The chapters presented in this work address challenging themes that the analyst must confront: arrogance, racism, the profound connection between erotic dread and dissociation, feelings of shame, hopelessness, and jealousy. These themes arise in common ways that analysts struggle with, such as when they fail to listen attentively and find themselves overwhelmed by uncertainty and intensity. They also address the difficulties encountered when facing unbearable experiences shared by patients, such as suicidality. Additionally, these chapters shed light on disruptions to the analyst's ability to be present with patients in an affective and embodied way and the thwarted fantasies of being the "hero." Despite the painful and tormenting nature of these topics, Shah presents them in a clinically meaningful way that fosters growth and understanding.

In this groundbreaking debut work, Shah establishes the significance of what analysts feel, experience, and contemplate with their patients in aiding their understanding and processing of the patient's emotional experiences. Through his insightful exploration, Shah offers valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of the analytic relationship and the profound impact of the analyst's subjective world on the therapeutic process. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, and the human mind, as it provides a deep and thought-provoking exploration of the emotional landscape within the analytic encounter.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912691845