In Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Therapies, Jeremy D.
Safran provides a masterful and engaging overview of this uniquely
important family of theories and approaches to psychotherapy,
developed and refined over more than a century by key theorists,
researchers and clinicians around the word. He also examines the origins
of psychoanalysis as a new way of looking at inner life, and discusses
its role as one of the more influential intellectual developments of the
20th century. This book charts the major turning points in the
development of psychoanalytic theory, as well as cutting edge
developments in theory, practice and research. Safran explores the way
in which psychoanalysis, which originated in the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of
the nineteenth century, evolved in diverse ways as it took hold in
different countries and cultures. Of particular interest is his
examination of the ongoing historical tension between the subversive and
politically progressive threads in psychoanalysis, and its more
culturally conservative tendencies. Safran also presents a carefully
reasoned assessment of the vital and constructive role that contemporary
psychoanalytic developments can potentially have on the future of our
healthcare system and culture. This essential primer to
psychoanalytic approaches, amply illustrated with case examples, is
perfect for students and trainees interested in learning about
psychoanalysis, as well as seasoned clinicians interested in keeping up
with state of the art developments in theory, practice and research.