The Shadow of the Tsunami: and the Growth of the Relational Mind
"Bromberg, a master writer, presents his experience and perspective examining normal pathological dissociation in a most readable manner. His clinical examples are lucid and interesting, demonstrating well his understanding and perspective. He clearly outlines his models of dissociation, emphasizing the importance of activation of what he calls ‘not-me’, self-states of consciousness, both in life and in therapy."–Journal of Analytical Psychology"Bromberg’s theory of trauma, dissociation and enactment is a valuable contribution to clinical psychoanalysis. Most psychoanalysts, I believe, will find much in this book that expands their understanding of, and ability to work effectively with, all patients, particularly those of whom trauma plays a central part in their mental life."–The International Journal of Psychoanalysis"InThe Shadow of the Tsunami, Philip Bromberg has made it clear why he is widely regarded as the doyen of relational psychoanalysis. He speaks to the process of healing and growth like no one else.His writing comes to life so powerfully that you don't just hear his words but virtually participate in what is taking place between and within each partner. The late Stephen A. Mitchell called his writing 'unique jewels' – how Mitchell would have appreciated this new book! More than ever, Bromberg bridges domains that for others would tend to collide – literature, poetry, theory, neurobiology, infant research, and decades of clinical wisdom. As you read, surprises are in store – clinical surprises, conceptual surprises, transforming surprises. Whether you are brand new to the field or a senior analyst – read it!"- Lewis Aron, NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, USA"The Shadow of the Tsunamiis a beautiful book: the reach and depth of its thinking, the vividness of its clinical narrative, enlarge the reader's imagination. At its heart is the daily work of healing which, for Bromberg, is the work of 'collision and negotiation,' of the struggle of patient and analyst to find common ground after experiences of dissociative enactment. Through the intensity of such shared but separate not-me moments, the ability to acknowledge and bear conflict is mutually developed. These richly wrought essays poignantly describe the process of nurturance, healing, and growth, drawing not only on psychoanalytic theory but on music, film, poetry, and fiction–all engagingly deployed to convey the nuances of shifting states of being. In Bromberg's compassionate vision, developmental trauma is part of being human. He endows the concept of 'relational unconscious' not only with clinical persuasiveness but with a resonance that extends beyond the consulting room." - Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, author,The Murmuring Deep: Reflections on the Biblical Unconscious(2009)"This is a text to be listened to, just as Bromberg teaches us to listen to our patients: from right-brain to right-brain. Excitingly, the readers's left-brain is equally enlivened because the book integrates clinical psychoanalysis, attachment theory, trauma, research, developmental perspectives, and the latest advances in neurosciences. Bromberg's book will enrich all aspects of the reader's creativity, allowing new seeds to grow in the field of clinical practice as well as the theorization of new models. A unique opportunity to open up horizons hitherto unknown."- Antonino Ferro, author,Avoiding Emotions, Living Emotions(2011)