The fallacy of understanding
Subtitle: an inquiry into the changing structure of psychoanalysis
By: Edgar A. Levenson.
Edition: 1st softcover ed.
Series: The master work series
Publisher: J. Aronson
Published: 1995
Place of publication: Northvale, N.J
Language: eng
Number of pages: 236
Subjects: Psychoanalysis.; Psychoanalysis.; Psychoanalytic Theory.
Description: Historically, Dr. Levenson shows, each psychoanalytic position has suffered from an arrogance of time and place in its belief that it remains forever relevant. The patient, who in the early years of Freudian "transference" theory distorted the therapist, then later misunderstood or misinterpreted him in the interpersonal model, now invents him. The therapist is transmuted by his entrance into the patient's world. The very meaning of his interpretations is changed by his participation.

Levenson uses exquisite clinical examples to elaborate the therapeutic implications of this pervasive shift in orientation. This view of psychoanalysis as part of the total configuration of its time avoids the pitfall of building monuments to obsolescence and allows a fluid perception of change for contemporary patients and therapists.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Originally published: New York : Basic Books, c1972.