Main description:

Abramovitch explores the performance aspects of therapy and analysis, going against the tradition of therapeutic discourse in which a narrative is based on specific vignettes chosen to present a theoretical agenda. This view of the therapeutic experience allows random or chance-based occurrences to come to the fore, and challenges the participants to think in new and unexpected ways. Covering aspects of the encounter including nonverbal behaviour, creating a part in the therapeutic drama, setting the stage for therapy and moving the clinic, and including case material throughout, Abramovitch's book enriches our view of the therapeutic experience.

Contents:

Therapy as Performance Art. The Nonspoken. Timing: Getting it right. Temenos Lost. Meeting Off stage: The Unexpected Impact of Extra-analytic encounters or Temenos Regained. Drama of the Sick Analyst: When the Spotlight Turns. The "Casablanca Syndrome": When the Analyst Decides to End. New Metaphors for Therapeutic Interaction: Poker, Bullfighting, Stabilizing a Skyscraper & Correcting a Flight Path. The Performance of Writing. Conclusion.