Richard M. Billow's Selected Papers on Psychoanalysis and Group Process: Changing Our Minds (The New International Library of Group Analysis)

ISBN: 0367743353

Author: Slonim, Tzachi

Condition: New

This comprehensive volume presents Richard M. Billows unique contributions to the theory and technique of psychotherapy, along with summaries and explications by the volumes editor, Tzachi Slonim.Through their behavior, therapists define the clinical culture: how relationships are to be regarded and the depth to which narratives and exchanges may be considered. Known for his integration of Bions metapsychology with contemporary psychoanalysis, Billow extends our understanding of "relational" to include the emotional relationships people have with individual and collective ideas, and the behaviors attached to these ideas. "Doing our work" (the title of the last section) involves the therapists whole being, including cognitions, dreams, words, deeds, and very presence-mental and somatic. Drawing on Lacan, Billow suggests that therapeutic work ought to include a willingness to penetrate other minds with provocative, controversial ideas. His clinical vignettes portray a masterly clinician-in-action, describing his evolving feelings, thoughts, and assessments.Billows intimate knowledge of Bionian theory, coupled with his down-to-earth demeanour and clear writing, allows him to explicate and expand upon Bions important contributions in a manner accessible to the novice and expert therapist alike. With one eye on therapeutic process, and the other on each participant including the therapist himself, Billow invites each of us to change our minds.