Illusions and Disillusions of Psychoanalytic Work - Clinical Case

Our review of Illusions and Disillusions of Psychoanalytic Work finds it essential reading for clinicians and advanced trainees who want candid case-based reflection on difficult analytic outcomes. Andre Green recounts resistant and sometimes tragic evolutions in treatment with a frankness that helps readers understand how thwarted progress can arise, and why counter-transference matters; this review highlights the book as a reflective tool rather than a how-to manual, useful for those seeking deeper clinical humility and conceptual nuance in psychoanalytic practice.

Key Features

• Case-based narratives: Detailed reports drawn from the author and collaborators provide concrete examples of why treatments can fail and how resistant dynamics appear over time.
• Focus on counter-transference: The author examines his own counter-transference reactions, helping clinicians recognize how therapist feelings can influence disappointing outcomes.
• Historical span: Cases span the authors practice from early days to recent work, offering perspective on patterns that persist across a career.
• Theoretical reflection: Green situates clinical stories within psychoanalytic ideas, aiding readers who want to connect case detail with conceptual understanding.
• Candid tone: The book does not minimize disappointing outcomes, which encourages honest self-reflection among practitioners.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, and advanced trainees who already know core analytic concepts and who seek nuanced discussion of treatment resistance and therapist response. It is particularly valuable for clinicians interested in integrating personal clinical experience with psychoanalytic theory.

Less suitable for beginners or readers seeking step-by-step treatment manuals or quick tips, since the text emphasizes reflective case material and theoretical contemplation rather than prescriptive techniques.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Honest case reports that illuminate the complexity of resistant analysands and long-term therapeutic impasses.
• Thoughtful attention to counter-transference that models self-examination for clinicians.
• Integration of clinical material with psychoanalytic ideas, useful for advanced study and supervision.

Cons

• The book assumes prior familiarity with psychoanalytic theory, making it less accessible to novices.

Specifications

Title	Illusions and Disillusions of Psychoanalytic Work
Series	The International Psychoanalytical Association Psychoanalytic Ideas and Applications Series
Author	Andre Green, Andrew Weller
Content type	Clinical case reports and theoretical reflection
Audience	Psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, advanced trainees
Main focus	Treatment resistance and counter-transference

Our Verdict

Illusions and Disillusions of Psychoanalytic Work is a valuable, candid resource for clinicians who want to confront the limits and pitfalls of analytic work. Its strength lies in reflective case material and attention to counter-transference, making it good value for practitioners seeking maturity in clinical judgment rather than quick technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include clinical case examples?
Yes, the author reports cases from his own practice and collaborators to illustrate disappointing and resistant treatment outcomes.

Is it suitable for beginners?
Not primarily; the book assumes familiarity with psychoanalytic concepts and is best for experienced clinicians or advanced trainees.

Does the book discuss therapist counter-transference?
Yes, Green explicitly examines his counter-transference reactions and their impact on treatment evolutions.