This book records a series of groundbreaking discussions that took place in 1994-95 between a number of prominent Kleinian and Lacanian psychoanalysts. The aim of the presentations and the debates that followed was to allow for dialogue, as well as controversy, to take place. Respecting the convictions of the other and allowing their expression in their own terms became a prerequisite in the dialogue. Topics discussed included phantasy, sexuality, counter-transference, the unconscious, interpretation and technique, and child analysis. The meetings provided an opportunity for reflection upon the implications for respective positions and an appreciation of the sensitivities of both schools.

"Published in association with the Journal for Lacanian Studies (JLS), the Ex-tensions series of short books aims to address "extant tensions" affecting the broad field of Lacanian psychoanalysis, whether they originate within its own boundaries or outside its direct sphere of influence. The 6rst of these books is by the renowned Lacanian Jacques-Aloin Miller. On Wednesday 8 October 2003, the French National Assembly passed a bill intended to regulate, for the 6rst time, the practice of psychotherapy in France. Moved by Bernard Accoyer, the purpose of the legislation was to restrict the practice of psychotherapy to psychiatrists and clinical psychologists; it would effectively no longer be legal for any other practitioners, including psycho- analysts, to practice in the sphere of mental health. "

Since its inception, Lacanian psychoanalysis has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for inducing acrimonious conflicts and facilitating tumultuous struggles between its own constituency and other areas of inquiry, as well as within its own ranks and among its most loyal adherents. Although Lacanianism has spread like wildfire across the academic disciplines, Lacan s intellectual legacy has maintained a highly unstable equilibrium at the theoretical, clinical and institutional levels of its modus operandi. At the same time, Lacanians have often been at the forefront in addressing the socio-political and cultural tensions that pervade our contemporary living conditions and they have often taken the lead in responding to the pressures of our market economy to control and streamline the psychoanalytic profession. Published in association with the Journal for Lacanian Studies (JLS), this is the first title in a new series that addresses the tensions of Lacanian psychoanalysis. This volume is by the renowned Lacanian Jacques-Alain Miller. On Wednesday 8 October 2003 the French National Assembly passed a bill intended to regulate, for the first time, the practice of psychotherapy in France. Moved by Bernard Accoyer, the purpose of the legislation was to restrict the practice of psychotherapy to psychiatrists and clinical psychologists; it would effectively no longer be legal for any other practitioners, including psychoanalysts, to practice in the sphere of mental health. This volume consists of Jacques-Alain Miller s letter to Bernard Accoyer, opposing the bill. Contributions from Bernard Burgoyne and Russell Grigg are also included, examining the implications of such a bill in France and elsewhere."

This book records a series of groundbreaking discussions that took place in 1994-95 between a number of prominent Kleinian and Lacanian psychoanalysts. The aim of the presentations and the debates that followed was to allow for dialogue, as well as controversy, to take place. Respecting the convictions of the other and allowing their expression in their own terms became a prerequisite in the dialogue. Topics discussed included phantasy, sexuality, counter-transference, the unconscious, interpretation and technique, and child analysis. The meetings provided an opportunity for reflection upon the implications for respective positions and an appreciation of the sensitivities of both schools.

At the beginning of each chapter in this collection is a reproduction of a classic psychoanalytic schema or model, ranging from Freud's first and second topographies, to Lacan's Schema "L." Each contributor uses the diagram as a means of elucidating the theory and practice of the respective schools of psychoanalysis.

This book presents essays that consider the status and significance of the 'pictures of the mind', in Freud, and also in the work of the major psychoanalytic thinkers. It offers an unparalleled chance to compare and contrast the fundamental ideas and assumptions of key figures in psychoanalysis.