Traces of the Infantile in Psychoanalytic Therapy with Adults

This book applies parent-infant-therapy techniques to allow therapists to work effectively with adult patients on their earliest traumas. There is an increased awareness among therapists, parents, and stakeholders that attempts to address psychological challenges in the first year of life could diminish the risk of later non-optimal development. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of such challenges and distress in parent-infant dyads can influence therapeutic work with adult patients by helping them discern "the traces of the Infantile" within. Drawing on his extensive clinical experience and application of the parent-infant psychotherapy (PIP) technique, Salomonsson offers a clear guide to how therapists can tie together experiences from adulthood and childhood, memory and family myth, and verbal and non-verbal communication from the patient to tease out the origin of the adult patient’s trauma and to allow for more informed and targeted treatment. The author argues that moving between PIP and adult therapeutic work is compatible with psychoanalytic theory and emphasises the importance of its inclusion in therapy training, Enriched with clinical vignettes and a focus on practical work, this is an essential read for all psychoanalysts and psychotherapists.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction to a kiss and to a concept 2. The Infantile: Evolution of a concept 3. Parent-Infant Psychotherapy as source of knowledge of the Infantile 4 Bianca: A swaddled woman 5. Parent-Toddler therapy: Indications of the Infantile 6. When the Infantile disrupts intimacy 7. Reconstructing a traumatized Infantile in Laura 8. Language concealing and revealing the Infantile 9. Layered analysis of the traces of the Infantile 10. “What do his lips want from me?”: Infantile sexuality in PIP 11. Metaphors as traces of the Infantile 12. What is the Infantile: And what is it not?

About the Author :
Björn Salomonsson is a psychiatrist and member of the Swedish Psychoanalytical Association, working in private practice. He is an Associate Professor at the Karolinska Institute and his research focuses on parent-infant therapies, child and adult analysis, and the ‘weaving thoughts’ presentation method. This is his fourth book published in English. In 2024, he received the Sigourney award for his contributions to psychoanalytic parent-infant psychotherapy.

Review :
'What do psychoanalysis and astronomy have in common? As surprising as this question may seem, after reading this book every reader will recognize the fascinating equation: both sciences deal with the traces of events that occurred long ago but are effective in the present. Björn Salomonsson not only reminds us of the light shining from afar in the starry sky, but also uses sensitive empathy combined with conceptual diversity to highlight the traces and radiations of the Infantile in the lives of adults. At the same time, he emphasises a crucial difference, because in psychoanalysis, the subjectivity of the analyst and their connection to their own Infantile are of central importance to grasp the Infantile of patients. On the basis of distinct conceptual knowledge and his expertise in parent-infant psychotherapy, Salomonsson formulates the Infantile as a concept: as a source of emotional vitality, but also as a backdrop for later mental conflicts. The clinical examples are full of Salomonsson’s clinical-analytical competence in dealing with the Infantile in its various forms. A deeply thoughtful, clinically stimulating and wise book at the same time.' Heribert Blass, Dr. med. resident elect of the International Psychoanalytical Association 'Page after page, with sure expertise and descriptive mastery, in this fascinating book Bjorn Salomonsson builds a bridge between two territories that the individual psyche, culture, and sometimes even science, often risk separating in an unrealistic and defensive way: the area of the Infantile and that of the adult mind. Thanks to its clear and effectively integrative style, ‘Traces of the Infantile’ is an invaluable working tool for connecting theory to clinical practice, but also for encouraging each reader to make intimate contact with their own inner infantile Self, in a humanising process of reconnecting with their deepest experiences.' Stefano Bolognini, Past President of the International Psychoanalytical Association 'Drawing on his extensive experience in Parent-Infant Psychotherapy, Salomonsson offers new insights into how early relationships influence who we become as adults. He uses the interesting analogy of an astronomer exploring the infinite night sky and the analyst examining the mind's earliest workings, thereby elucidating complex processes and making them more accessible. The session transcripts that are provided illustrate how links to infancy can be made with sensitivity and empathy. The author engages in critical self-reflection, an example of best practice when working in this field. Also included is the latest research and the historical background to many of our theories, making this a valuable and essential addition to the existing psychoanalytic literature.' Astrid Berg, Cape Town, President of the World Association for Infant Mental Health