PAST WORKSHOP: Psychoanalytic Field Theories

Otto Kernberg, among others has cited Bionian Field Theory as one of the most significant developments in contemporary psychoanalytic theory. This will be a very brief introduction to psychoanalytic field theories. Even the term field theory refers to at least two different phenomena and bodies of theory. To scratch the surfaces of these theories will immerse us in states of confusion, unpreparedness, inadequacy, and soulful emergence. The shift into post-Bionian field theories is part of a larger shift in psychoanalysis from epistemological based on knowledge and the knowable to ontological experiencing of clinical phenomena.

I selected these two papers because they are personally meaningful. I feel that if I could fully grasp them, both intellectually and experientially, I will somehow have been transformed by the experience into a wiser and more effective therapist. 

I selected them also because they are recently published and represent a leading edge in our field.  One of the authors is a relatively early-career Swiss psychoanalyst and the other is Giuseppe Civitarise who, with Antonino Ferro, is in the center of emerging ideas in Italy. In the discussion we will explore how field theories interplay with Christian theology and experience.

It is expected that participants closely read both articles so we can have an engaging conversation together. 

Articles

Bazzi, Danielle (2022) Approaches to a contemporary psychoanalytic field theory: from Kurt Lewin, Georges Politzer and Jose Bleger, to Antonino Ferro and Giuseppe Civitarese. International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 103:1, 46-70.

Civitarese, Giusdeppe (2021) Experiences in Groups as a key to “late” Bion. The International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 

Bill Allured is a psychoanalyst who practices in Manhattan, NY. 

www.dr-allured.com