Battling the Life and Death Forces of Sadomasochism Clinical Perspectives

This book examines the forces of sadomasochism in the clinical domain where transference and countertransference reside. Psychoanalysts write in depth about cases where sadomasochism is present for both analysand and analyst. Four cases present the unfolding analytic exchange where life and death forces collide. Each case is accompanied by three discussions illuminating the complex phenomena that often include lifelong perversions and painful narcissistic difficulties. Through the case presentations and discussions, psychoanalytic therapists will find maps for guiding their own work with sadomasochistic processes. Treatments where sadomasochism is prominent abound with dramas containing control and denigration, domination, and submission. Often there is a history of over stimulation and under stimulation from infancy and childhood influencing the formation of object relations and unconscious fantasy. Since Freud first introduced the concepts of component instincts and psychosexual development, psychoanalysts have been exploring sadomasochism in its various forms. The belief that togetherness involves tormenting pain creates a sense of life and death struggle that is imbued with powerful instinctual gratification. Unconscious sexualized scenes of both dyadic and triadic forms carry humiliation and conquest.

Series Editor’s Preface , Introduction to sadomasochism in the clinical realm , Intersecting forces and development of sadomasochism , Case Presented by Paula L. Ellman and Discussions , Sadomasochism in work and play with Diane , Discussion of the case of Diane , Discussion of the case of Diane , Diane vs. reality: unconscious fantasies at impasse? discussion of the case of Diane , Case Presented by Nancy R. Goodman and Discussions , Sailing with Mr. B through waters of “hurting love” , Discussion of the case of Mr. B , Discussion of the case of Mr. B , Discussion of the case of Mr. B , Case Presented by Andrea Greenman and Discussions , Eating for emptiness, eating to kill: sadomasochism in a woman with bulimia , Discussion of the case of Mariah , Discussion of the case of Mariah , Trauma, archaic superego, and sadomasochism: discussion of the case of Mariah , Case Presented by Richard Reichbart and Discussions , The primitive superego of Mr. A: sadistic revenge fantasies, arousal and then masochistic remorse , Discussion of the case of Mr. A , Discussion of the case of Mr. A , Sadomasochism and aggression—clinical theory: discussion of the case of Mr. A

Harriet I Basseches