great post naomi! i love the idea of doing less in psychoanalysis not just as an analyst but as an analysand. i think it can be very tempting to try to reach and push for solution, closure, meaning... when really that process is acting as a defence preventing you from getting anywhere close to understanding.
so true! i thought about your raising this throughout this week when i saw it manifest in different spaces, including my own analysis. those spots where this comes up as a defense can be so thorny, but if we can recognize it and try to bring some focused attention there, that’s where the real work can happen.
great post naomi! i love the idea of doing less in psychoanalysis not just as an analyst but as an analysand. i think it can be very tempting to try to reach and push for solution, closure, meaning... when really that process is acting as a defence preventing you from getting anywhere close to understanding.
so true! i thought about your raising this throughout this week when i saw it manifest in different spaces, including my own analysis. those spots where this comes up as a defense can be so thorny, but if we can recognize it and try to bring some focused attention there, that’s where the real work can happen.