Revisiting Psychic Bisexuality (the Feminine Within)

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Edited by Teresa Vale, Ana; Edited by Tröger, Nadja

Short /annotation:

Revisiting Psychic Bisexuality: The Feminine Within explores the complexities of psychosexual development from a psychoanalytic perspective, challenging traditional ideals and theories.

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Revisiting Psychic Bisexuality: The Feminine Within explores the complexities of psychosexual development from a psychoanalytic perspective, challenging traditional ideals and theories.

Viewing the feminine and the masculine as an interdependent dyad in the human psyche, this book examines the construction of identity, as well as the sexual identification process. Considering inter- and intrapsychic dynamics, the chapters explore the relationship between analyst and analysand, looking at how various perspectives on the identification process of the masculine and feminine can challenge the analytic process. Focusing on classic and contemporary psychoanalytic theories, the chapters approach the phenomenon of psychic bisexuality as a mediating and mental function and work to find a model that fits with contemporary Psychoanalysis and life in the twenty-first century. Based on the universal idea that each element of the analytic pair carries inside his/her idiosyncratic experience of the feminine/masculine relationship, and that the analytic pair is engaged in an ongoing unconscious communication, the global cohort of contributors invite psychoanalysts working today to expand their viewpoints and move beyond the traditional psychoanalytic frame to better help their clients.

This book is an invaluable resource for all mental health practitioners, as well as those in education and social care, looking to reflect on the vicissitudes of psychosexual development.

Review quote:

“This book is a rare combination of articles from well-known psychoanalysts from all over the world. They share their complex views on psychic bisexuality, dealing in depth with psychoanalytic theory, very interesting developments on early psychic life, on Freud’s cases, and contemporary clinic. This book captures the essence of the complex issue of psychic bisexuality in our societies, and of the stimulating work of psychoanalytic technique with contemporary patients. This is a brilliant book, exciting and very accessible: a good combination of education and psychoanalytic thinking.”

Christine Anzieu-Premmereur, MD, PhD, Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at Columbia University, Overall Chair IPA COCAP

“In publishing this book, the editors have succeeded in bringing together a collection of esteemed authors from different regions of the world who invite the reader to explore the complex question of the feminine and the masculine, both of which are intricately linked to the concept of psychic bisexuality. The richness of this book also lies in the deep respect and sensitivity with which each author listens to their patients and follows them in the conundrums of the unconscious processes that underlie the vicissitudes one encounters when confronted with questions that touch the most intimate part of one’s identity and sense of femininity and of masculinity, leading to a better understanding of their suffering. Particularly today, in a contemporary world where diversity and respect for the other are under threat, this book enriches the reader by offering the opportunity to discover, or rediscover, the concept of psychic bisexuality from different cultural psychoanalytic traditions, providing new ideas to help us better understand our patients who question gender, sexual identity, femininity and masculinity.”

Katy Bogliatto, MD, Training Psychoanalyst from the Belgian Psychoanalytical Society, IPA Vice-President

“Starting from the notion that the field of sexuality today is undergoing profound changes that could be compared to a ”lands