Reflections on Contemporary Psychoanalytic Thought

This collection of lectures presented to the Portuguese Psychoanalytic Society contains some of the best psychoanalytic papers of the past decade. The editors contextualize the relevance of international psychoanalytic thought to the development of their society. It is an exemplary case study of how an institution benefits from participation in global psychoanalytic exchanges.

-- William Glover, President, American Psychoanalytic Association

‘This book is a refreshing reminder of the history and contemporary values of clinical psychoanalysis. congratulations to the Portuguese editors who have created a very readable collection of inspiring chapters that span a truly international heritage. The two chapters on Ferenczi's work, especially, illuminate how Lisbon analysts do not forget this much-neglected author but rather celebrate the humanity of his particular contribution to psychoanalysis. I strongly recommend this slim but mind-expanding volume and hope we see more collections of this kind from Lisbon in the future.’

-- Jan Abram, training and supervising analyst (British Psychoanalytical Society), author of 'The Surviving Object: Clinical Essays on Psychic Survival-of-the-object'

‘On the shore of the ocean of the unconscious, once again Lisbon is confirmed as an ideal starting port for adventurous exploration – in this case, scientific exploration – thanks to the confluence and thoughtful contribution of masters of psychoanalysis from all parts of the world. The Lisbon lectures, organised by the Portuguese Psychoanalytical Society, have a truly wide, intercontinental cultural scope, and the reader will find some impressive essays to fascinate both professionals and laypeople interested in the developments of contemporary humanity.’

-- Stefano Bolognini, past President of the Italian Psychoanalytic Society and of the International Psychoanalytical Association

‘Reflections on Contemporary Psychoanalytic Thought is an impressive book, which describes the psychoanalytic landscape of both theory and technique. It opens on a remarkable paper by R. D. Hinshelwood and includes contributions from many other eminent psychoanalysts. Each chapter is introduced by one of the editors, contextualising the way the lecture was received and the transformations it promoted in the community of Portuguese psychoanalysts.’

-- Marilia Aisenstein, training and supervising analyst in the Hellenic Psychoanalytical Society and the Paris Psychoanalytical Society, and past President of the Paris Psychoanalytical Soc