tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795619329331863089.post3152603175994420216..comments2023-06-30T07:51:38.940-04:00Comments on Contemporary Psychoanalytic Musings: Jessica Benjamin and Intersubjectivity as a Developmental AchievmentUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795619329331863089.post-42026514401730785242010-01-11T15:18:28.508-05:002010-01-11T15:18:28.508-05:00I found Stolorow interesting on several levels.
H...I found Stolorow interesting on several levels.<br /><br />His phenomenology perspective and view of the therapist-patient interaction of systems seems intuitively true as opposed to the therapist being a blank slate. (Isn't this why we should all be analysed?) The extent of our personal exposure to the patient is still quite debatable. I though his physiologic phobia limited him so much in seeing what might be useful for patients.<br />His own personal suffering seemed so prolonged (as he port-keyed onto it during the afternoon) and then looked to medicate himself (not, heaven forbid with drugs) but with vodka. (Not that I am at all opposed to a good martini - but alcohol, of course, is a depressant). Well, I guess he suffers bravely, but it is not right to imply that his patients should do the same.<br /><br />His discussion of trauma, I felt to be so limiting. Of course, trauma makes one feel more vulnerable and isolated out of control. There is a huge literature about that. His case of the woman with the flush and tremor showing "Clinically, it is the secondary feelings that often must be explored first, as patients may feel shame about exposing the trauma-induced feelings," could have opened a rich discussion of clinical approaches and presentations, from Dissociative Identity Disorder to all venues of trauma interpretation, understanding, intersystem exchange and physiologic displacements and treatments. <br /><br />Certainly, his attentiveness and understanding of where each person is coming from is valuable in all interactions. <br />It was fascinating to look at that in his own interactions with each of us.<br />Bonnie Saks, MDBonnie Saks, MDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795619329331863089.post-85699665161997161052010-01-11T12:56:13.246-05:002010-01-11T12:56:13.246-05:00I really like Benjamin's work on intersubjecti...I really like Benjamin's work on intersubjectivity. I do not think Stolorow's work and Benjamin's work are contrary to each other. I suspect Stolorow is accurate in his belief that an intersubjective field does emerge between two people even if they do not recognize the mutuality of each other's influence. I see that as occurring in a more 'unevolved' developmental framework. I suspect that Benjamin's position allows for people to access and benefit more from the experience of intersubjectivity, because it calls for an awareness of the subjectivity of all parties. It reminds me a bit of Ken Wilbur's ideas on spectrum of consciousness.<br /><br />Jean Austin-DannerLycia Alexander-Guerra, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02050357860568482329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2795619329331863089.post-23243810093150615252010-01-11T12:54:36.127-05:002010-01-11T12:54:36.127-05:00I really like Benjamin's work on intersubjecti...I really like Benjamin's work on intersubjectivity. I do not think Stolorow's work and Benjamin's work are contrary to each other. I suspect Stolorow is accurate in his belief that an intersubjective field does emerge between two people even if they do not recognize the mutuality of each other's influence. I see that as occurring in a more 'unevolved' developmental framework. I suspect that Benjamin's position allows for people to access and benefit more from the experience of intersubjectivity, because it calls for an awareness of the subjectivity of all parties. It reminds me a bit of Ken Wilbur's ideas on spectrum of consciousness.<br /><br />Jean Austin-DannerJean Austin-Dannernoreply@blogger.com