Evolving Lacanian Perspectives for Clinical Psychoanalysis: On Narcissism, Sexuation, and the Phases of Analysis in Contemporary Culture

This book presents an evolving Lacanian reading of the psychoanalytic theory of narcissism, of the phases within Oedipus, transference, and within different types of analytic treatments. Sexual difference between psychical masculinity and femininity is formulated as a negative dialectic: both sexes are not without having and not having the phallus across levels of logical organization and the three registers of experience. Many clinical examples and vignettes are offered to illustrate Lacanian theory, the permutations within sexuation, as well as the various principles of Lacanian clinical practice.The Lacanian multiform criterion for the practice of psychoanalysis is presented as an alternative to the post-Freudian notions of a standard frame, or a holding environment. The criterion extends the use of psychoanalysis to a larger group of clinical, socio-economic, and multicultural populations. Finally, the book explores the criteria used for the authorization of the analyst, and how supervision differs from analysis, and from the teacher-student and lover-beloved relationships.

About the Author :
Raul Moncayo is training director for Mission Mental Health, San Francisco and a supervising analyst at the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis of the San Francisco Bay Area, California. He also has a private practice in which he provides psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, consultation, and supervision.

Review :
'This book is a collection of highly charged, packed and eye-opening Lacanian essays traversing a wide but focused platform: Lacanian theory and clinical practice and penetrating views of difficulties that show up in social, political and religious life. It is an exciting and challenging book with a sense that wherever Raul Moncayo casts a light, something necessary is seen.'- Michael Eigen, PhD, Author of Feeling Matters'In this deeply thoughtful and novel contribution to the development of contemporary Lacanian theory and practice, Moncayo tackles a number of challenging conceptual issues in a way that sheds new light on the implications of Lacan's thinking for clinical practice and psychoanalytic treatment. This is not another basic introduction to Lacan or an unreflective application of Lacanian theory, but rather a genuine attempt to grapple with the meaning of central Lacanian concepts. Of particular interest to readers will be Moncayo's illuminating exploration of such topics as clinical supervision, Lacan's notorious use of the variable session length, and the application of Lacanian analysis to culturally diverse groups and different social classes.'- Jeremy D. Safran, PhD, Professor and Director of Clinical Psychology, New School for Social Research, New York Faculty, New York University Postdoctoral Program of Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis'Whereas many books on Lacanian psychoanalysis simply introduce or explain Lacan's ideas, this volume develops and advances his work, which by no means implies that only the advanced reader will be able to benefit from it. Without fear or trepidation, Moncayo enters the intricate meshwork of the Lacanian edifice, probing into its multi-layered construction, delving into its deepest recesses, and re-emerging from it with startlingly new insights and a fresh perspective on theory and practice. This book is a field-defining statement, which will remain a key source of inspiration for scholars and practitioners for many years to come.'- Dany Nobus, Professor of Psychology and Psychoanalysis, Brunel University'In this wide-ranging book, Lacanian psychoanalyst and theorist Raul Moncayo presents many of the ways in which Lacanian practice and theory are relevant to clinical work in the modern world today - indeed perhaps more relevant than ever! He takes up clinical issues foremost in many practitioners' minds, such as narcissism and depression, and addresses numerous critiques of Lacanian theory by feminists and object relations theorists in creative and insightful ways, while providing an engaging account of the psychoanalytic endeavor.'- Bruce Fink, Lacanian Psychoanalyst and Professor of Psychology at Duquesne University