Witnessing and passing. Discussion of prince's "the self in pain: The paradox of memory. Paradox of testimony"

Judith L. Alpert

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

The author indicates that she has two voices. One voice speaks to the patient's loneliness and detachment and her expectation to not be seen, believed, or acknowledged. This voice, housing the knowledge that events that remain unprocessed continue to have an impact, wants Dr. Prince to risk intrusion and preemption. This voice believes that it is worth it. The author's other voice considers bottomless wounds and speaks to the patient's need to build up healthy aspects of personality that is necessary to do the holocaust work. This voice holds that this is not the time for Dr. Prince to witness what happened to the patient, what the perpetrators of massive crimes did to her or what the onlookers saw and chose not to do. This voice says that the patients lead should be followed. The author elaborates on her two voices and indicates what she would have done had she been working with the patient.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)291-297
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican Journal of Psychoanalysis
Volume69
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2009

Keywords

  • Analytic stance
  • Holocaust
  • Passing
  • Witnessing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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