The Dissociative Mind in Psychoanalysis Understanding and Working With Trauma

"In this outstanding volume, Howell and Itzkowitz have collected a comprehensive set of scholarly contributions covering the depth and breadth of dissociative phenomena, as well as the clinical concerns in working with the sequelae of complex trauma. They include the full range of psychoanalytic orientations and provide extensive surveys of cultural, historical, diagnostic, and developmental considerations along with research findings. On top of this considerable achievement, the editors have situated all of these contributions within the context provided by their own introductory chapters. This book will be used as a basic teaching text for years to come."- Lewis Aron, Ph.D., Director, New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis.

Psychoanalysts both, Itzkowitz and Howell are well-known for their work with the naturally occurring dissociative aspects of mind and for their wise, humanistic, and compassionate work with patients suffering with trauma-generated dissociation, patients many might be afraid to treat in private practice. Now they bring their accumulated wisdom, together with the thinking of many distinguished colleagues, to bear, placing dissociation and the dissociative mind firmly in the psychoanalytic tradition, reading it in various theoretical and cultural contexts, explaining how it became hidden from view, showing how to understand and treat its sufferers now. This book will teach, encourage, and support all therapists who look for the human being underneath the "pathology." A great gift to us all. - Donna Orange, Ph.D., Psy.D. author, The Suffering Stranger (Routledge, 2011)

Drs. Howell and Itzkowitz have fashioned a resource for those who are interested in learning more about psychoanalytic treatment and how psychoanalysts work with and help victims of trauma, traumatic, dissociation and dissociative disorders. Psychoanalysis, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, and trauma research all have a say in this outstanding volume which explores trauma and dissociation within a broad psychoanalytic context. The editors should be commended for their written contributions, for gathering chapters from leading experts in the area, and for the scope and depth of the issues addressed.- Judith Alpert, Ph.D. is Professor, Department of Applied Psychology, New York University and Professor and Clinical Consultant at New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis