The identitiy of the psychoanalyst

Abstract

Kocourkovå J. The Identity of the Psychoanalyst. Int Forum Psychoanal 1997;6:137-140. Stockholm, ISSN 0803-706X.

The conditions are examined, in which the professional identity of the psychoanalyst is created and expressed. The personal analysis and an unambiguous identification with this process are considered to be a basic experience in the formation of the psychoanalyst's identity. Personal experience of supervision is of the same importance. The psychoanalytic process is complicated by unresolved narcissistic problems of the psychoanalyst. The Kleinian concept of envy, which can make the positive identification with the analyst impossible, is mentioned. However, the concept of envy should be understood not only as a projective mechanism, but also as unconscious connotations of giving and receiving in the analytical relationship. Identity problems of psychoanalytical societies are also discussed, including the Czech Psychoanalytical Society.