1st Edition
Learning Along the Way Further Reflections on Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy
Learning Along the Way sees Patrick Casement trace the development and application of his earlier key contributions to psychoanalytic technique. These include his observations about internal supervision, trial identification with the patient, and monitoring how the analytic space is either preserved or spoiled by the analyst’s contributions.
Throughout the book, Casement cautions against preconceptions that steer the analytic process along familiar lines. He advocates a more radical approach that is always open to being led by the process emerging between analyst and patient, frequently leading to unexpected and fresh insights. This work makes a natural pair with Casement’s first, most celebrated book, On Learning from the Patient. Here he builds upon all that was outlined before, challenging the reader further and inspiring clinicians to re-think their established ways of working.
Learning Along the Way is an invaluable addition to every clinician’s library and an essential aid to practicing psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, counsellors and anyone training in psychoanalysis.
Foreword by Neville Symington Introduction 1 On being in touch 2 A missed opportunity 3 Towards autonomy: some thoughts on psychoanalytic supervision (1993) 4 Ways of working: a synopsis of contributions to psychoanalytic technique (2018) 5 The emperor's clothes: some serious problems in psychoanalytic training (2005) 6 Imprisoned minds (2011) 7 The impact of the psychoanalyst upon the analytic process (2003) 8 Self-revelation by the analyst 9 Keeping in mind 10 Beyond words: the role of psychoanalysis (2009) 11 Art therapy (2017) 12 The case of 'Mrs B' continues to challenge 13 Response to Stuart Pizer review (2004) 14 Further reflections 15 Kate Schechter interview (2007) 16 Thérèse Gaynor interview (2010) 17 Shelley Holland interview (2016) 18 My time with cancer: an extraordinary journey (2015)
Biography
Patrick Casement, previously a social worker, trained as a psychotherapist and then as a psychoanalyst. He is the author of four well known Learning From… books, of which this work is the culmination, bringing together in a single publication the richness of his 50 years of clinical experience.
"This is the most important collection of essays to appear in many years. In sharing his long and invaluable experience and his clinical wisdom, Patrick Casement has done a great service for analysts and therapists of every persuasion. This is one of those rare books that is not only a delight to read, but that offers a priceless education in the art of analytic psychotherapy."-Ted Jacobs, MD, training and supervising analyst, New York Psychoanalytic Institute and The Institute for Psychoanalytic Education
"A compelling and beautiful feast from an outstanding pioneer of today’s relational approaches to psychotherapy and analysis. In his decades of clinical writing, Patrick Casement has transformed the field to an extent that very few can equal. The chapters in this book on our profession and its shadow elements are searingly honest and, in my view, required reading for all who have run or been through a training. We also get perhaps the deepest portrait yet of Patrick as a human being, and his struggles with both life and near-death."-Andrew Samuels, Professor of Analytical Psychology, University of Essex
"Casement remains one of the foremost proponents of contemporary psychoanalytic technique, and is unsurpassed in the lucidity and ease of reading in which he develops a psychoanalytic understanding of people and its practical therapeutic application. This text is richly illustrated by clinical examples which clearly show Casement’s reasoning. Seasoned clinicians will be refreshed, and learners will derive much benefit, from careful study of this text. Topics covered include problems of training, self-disclosure, and supervision. This book is warmly recommended for students and experienced psychotherapists and psychoanalysts of all theoretical orientations."-Paul Steinberg, MD, assistant editor, Canadian Journal of Psychoanalysis
"It always pays to read Casement. And then to re-read him. He provokes, challenges, illuminates and delights us. His thoughts come into my mind years after I have read them which is, of course, the hallmark of thoughtful analysis. I know that the papers here in this final collection, including those on supervision and training, will also stay with me. I am sorry this is his last book, but what a very good one."-Susie Orbach, PhD, author of In Therapy
It is always inspiring to immerse oneself in the writings of a master, to experience the evolution of his craft over time. These classics are accessible stories interwoven with priceless wisdom only deep clinical process and fully lived experience can reap. Valuing authenticity and humanity, Casement is unsparing in offering his own to his patients. Now we are the recipients in this artful catalogue of life and therapeutic service."-Andrea Celenza, PhD, Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, USA
"Here is a most valuable distillation of the approach to psychoanalysis that Patrick Casement has articulated steadily over many years. The chapters range widely. Basic elements of clinical technique are systematically discussed. There are wise comments on analytic dilemmas that all analysts and therapists will recognise. He also explores more generally the nature of the psychoanalytic enterprise, mixing theoretical and very personal reflections. Respect for the individuality of others, as patients and as human beings, is a theme that permeates the work. Rooted in the British Independent tradition, this book is both rigorous and deeply humane."-Michael Parsons, MRCPsych, British Psychoanalytical Society
