Towards Identity in the Psychoanalytic Encounter

This book explores the complex relationship between identification and identity in psychoanalysis, particularly through Lacan's insights. Towards Identity in the Psychoanalytic Encounter is essential for practitioners and scholars alike.

The book Towards Identity in the Psychoanalytic Encounter delves into the intricate themes of identification and identity within the realm of psychoanalysis, as articulated by Jacques Lacan throughout his teachings. It explores how the psychoanalytic clinic becomes a space where individuals confront their sense of self, often grappling with the question of 'What am I?' This inquiry reveals a fundamental paradox: the subject, while attempting to articulate their identity through speech, remains elusive and difficult to pinpoint, as their essence is perpetually intertwined with words that have yet to be expressed.

In this exploration, the text highlights the notion that the individual summoned to speak is inherently lacking in a defined identity. The body, however, remains a constant presence, tethered to the experiences of suffering and symptom that psychoanalysis seeks to understand. These concepts, rooted in the works of both Freud and Lacan, challenge the traditional understanding of identity by suggesting that deeper, often unrecognized forces are at play, complicating the pursuit of self-understanding.

Towards Identity in the Psychoanalytic Encounter serves as an essential resource for scholars and practitioners of Lacanian psychoanalysis, as well as those engaged in related fields such as philosophy, art, literature, and history. Its insights provide a profound framework for examining the complexities of identity within the psychoanalytic context, making it a valuable addition to the discourse surrounding Lacan's teachings.