The Technique and Practice of Psychoanalysis: A Memorial Volume to Ralph R. Greenson

The exciting discovery of several incomplete chapters of Ralph R. Greenson's long awaited Volume 2 of The Technique and Practice of Psychoanalysis form the cornerstone of this memorial to a man considered by many to be the best clinical psychoanalyst of his generation. Using the detailed outlines of the chap­ters that Greenson had intended to write, the editors have solicited prominent American psychoanalysts to cover the planned content areas. Such adherence to Greenson's plan makes this a worthy companion to Volume 1.

One of the most important contributions of Volume 1 was its elucidation of the clinical implications of the structural model. The contributors to Volume 2 continue this theoretical heritage as they use the advances in theory of technique to expand on the areas Greenson deemed important. The interpretative process, for example, is examined in detail. So are the issues of suitability and the techni­cal problems posed by acting out and by countertransference. The analytic pro­cess is examined with particular emphasis on working through, dream interpre­tation, and the termination phase. Other areas deemed important by the editors also receive emphasis; these include the goals of psychoanalysis and analytic work with sicker patients.

In keeping with Greenson's interest in the clinical encounter, this book is a teaching volume for practicing clinicians. A consistent clinical emphasis with the use of vignettes or lengthier case examples maintains a clinical focus that will make this volume invaluable for both the student as well as the experienced psychoanalyst. Sufficient clinical examples are provided to allow for the easy commerce between theory and technique that made Volume 1 so valuable.

Ralph R. Greenson