The Dying Patient in Psychotherapy: Desire, Dreams and Individuation

The Dying Patient in Psychotherapy is powerful account of love and death within a therapeutic relationship. The narrative traces one man's journey and that of the analyst who accompanies him. Following on from Joy Schaverien's highly- acclaimed previous books, this full length description of an analysis demonstrates the developmental path of an erotic transference from its origins in infancy, through fantasies of sex and violence, to mature erotic intimacy. The countertransference is considered with exceptional honesty as the analysis intensifies following the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness. A series of dreams, rich in symbolic imagery, traces the psychological situation as death approaches. This book is essential reading for analysts, psychotherapists, counsellors, arts therapists, and all professionals working with the dying. The compelling narrative will also fascinate the general reader. It is practical, theoretical, and imaginative and all, whether expert or new to the subject, will be inspired as the process of individuation is revealed.