The 4th

Another month has passed. Funny things have happened. I'm officially middle aged, though I still think/feel younger. I keep repeating this, but I know in reality that this is not true. For example, I don't go out and drink with friends anymore. I just don't have the time like I used to. Not only do you need the time to go and drink, but you need the next day to recover. Time is a luxury that I don't have. My son just won't allow it. He is up at 7 no matter what. Also, it takes me longer to recover when tired. So, in reality, I know I'm not 25 or 30 anymore, though I'm told I act like I'm 9!

I have been reading some Kleinian and interpersonal psychoanalysis lately. Its interesting reading psychoanalysts who identify themselves with Klein, at least at some point in their career. The book consisted of different articles that focused on different aspects of Kleinian theory and technique. Papers on projective identification and character organization allow the reader insights into how some psychoanalysts have advanced Klein's theories. I must admit, toward the end of the book, much of the material seems to repeat, with a continued focus on schizoid defenses, the depressive position, etc. Although I find all of the articles worth reading, one aspect I have attempted to incorporate into my own reading style relates to the the identification of what I consider innovative work and strict adherence to ideological positions. There are some papers I interpret as public declaration of allegiance to one group. This is a new aspect I have tried to use when reading psychoanalysis, one that is very helpful with my own learning process. This also places a great focus on reading history to understand why some papers were even published.

I have attempted to branch out and read more interpersonal psychoanalytic writing. Although I have read some authors, my understanding of the relational and interpersonal perspectives remains limited. The book I chose to read Arthur H. Feiner, a psychoanalyst that I have never read before. The book was difficult to understand, partially because of my limited knowledge of the interpersonal paradigm. Jargon free, his writing seems to flow like water, jumping from one subject to another, with little warning. So although the language used allows for a larger audience, I found myself asking what the connection between two subjects were during my reading. The chapter regarding supervision with Erich Fromm started with such promise, but I soon lost interest when the subject changed to the nature of the mistakes the author felt he made regarding a patient of his to what seemed like a stream of conscious though put onto paper. Just like in conversations, when attempting to communicate ideas, concepts, and thoughts, academic writing needs focus. I will have to try again at his writing, but at a later time.

With that, I will try to read another topic, maybe a Naomi Klein book. Its good to mix up reading material. I also have to learn to steal time to read. This makes any type of late night drinking impossible. Until next time.