Intimate Bonds in Relational Psychoanalysis

This book delves into the complex weaves of being together as a founding pillar of the definition of the Self. The author argues that there is a human intersubjective aspiration to establish intimate connections with others throughout the lifespan. At the same time, a central tenet of this text lies in a more intricate understanding of the ways in which the pivotal topics of ‘belonging’ and ‘otherness’ find their unique expression in ‘being with’ a partner. However, the originality of this book pertains the reformulation of these concepts through the lens of the couple bond as a powerful means for elucidating the processes by which the ‘Other’ is desired as ‘part of’, but can ultimately become a complete ‘stranger’. With rich clinical vignettes and a focus on clinical work throughout, this is key reading for psychoanalysts, psychotherapists and couples therapists.