Working Intersubjectively: Contextualism in Psychoanalytic Practice (Psychoanalytic Inquiry Book Series) [Hardcover]

Donna M. Orange (Author), George E. Atwood (Author), Robert D. Stolorow (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0881632295 | ISBN-13: 978-0881632293 | Publication Date: November 1, 1997 | Edition: First Edition

From an overview of the basic principles of intersubjectivity theory, this text proceeds to contextualist critiques of the concept of psychoanalytic technique and of the myth of analytic neutrality.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A radical and most relevant revision of psychoanalytic theory and practice informed by contemporary philosophy, developmental theory, and clinical experience.  It is a clearly written and up-to-date report from theorists at one of the leading edges of psychoanalytic progress.  For all who value the advancement of our field, this book is highly recommended reading."

- Ernest S. Wolf, M.D., Institute for Psychoanalysis, Chicago

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; First Edition edition (November 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881632295
• ISBN-13: 978-0881632293
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,869,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars intersubjective meditations, June 25, 2000

By 

whomi (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Working Intersubjectively: Contextualism in Psychoanalytic Practice (Psychoanalytic Inquiry Book Series) (Hardcover)

Orange, Atwood, and Stolorow have put together a quite well-written and thoughtful meditation on intersubjectivity in psychoanalysis. They include a revolutionary chapter which philosophically reconceptualizes psychoanalysis as a form of "practice" or "ethical know-how" rather than a mechanical, programmatic "technique." There is also a very striking, detailed portrayal of the phenomenology of psychotic states, which the authors call "annihilation experiences" and interpret in terms of experiences of invalidation and usurpation by others. These authors situate their whole discussion within the theoretical framework of what they call "contextualism," a methodological sensibility which involves seeking the intelligibility of psychological phenomena by closely examining their interpersonal and historical contexts. The only drawback to this book is a rather turgid chapter on analytic neutrality, which, however, still has some interesting things to say. I'd strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in contemporary psychoanalysis, or the connection between philosophy and psychology. It would be especially good for anyone who may have had trouble with these theorists' previous work, as it is much more clearly written than their earlier books.