Lacanian Psychotherapy Theory and Practical Applications [Paperback]

The work of Jacques Lacan is associated more with literature and philosophy than mainstream American psychology, due in large part to the dense language he employs in articulating his theory  including  often at the expense of clinical illustration. As a result, his contributions are frequently fascinating, yet their utility in the therapeutic setting can be difficult to pinpoint. Lacanian Psychotherapy fills in this clinical gap by presenting theoretical discussions in clear, accessible language and applying them to several chapter-length case studies, thereby demonstrating their clinical relevance. The central concern of the book is the usefulness of Lacan's notion that the unconscious is structured like and by language. This concept implies a peculiar manner of listening ( to the letter ) and intervention, which Miller applies to a number of common clinical concerns  including  including case formulation, dreams, transference, and diagnosis  including  all in the context of real-world psychotherapy.

 

Therapists of all persuasions will relish Michael Miller's lucid, beautifully written discussion of the use of Lacan's work in clinical practice. Targeting topics of concern to the widest range of practitioners  including insight, opening up of 'potential space,' transference, countertransference, gender, and power dynamics  he provides word-for-word transcripts of interactions with his clients that beautifully illustrate a Lacanian approach to listening and interpreting that can be applied in a great many therapeutic settings, using theory tolC%