Trauma, Torture and Dissociation

A Psychoanalytic View

Theoretical material is presented in close conjunction with clinical data in the form of vignettes and case studies to illustrate the key points outlined in this book, which focuses on the multidimensional approach to the understanding of childhood trauma. It examines the contributions of psychoanalysis, emphasising the act of 'dissociation' (healthy and unhealthy). Specific attention is given to the internalisation of the m/other/object as the 'listening other', and the dissociated part/s that may results in an over idealised yet feared object. The final discussion focuses on how patients in therapy become able to transform fears into 'psychic space' and to break away from vulnerability, by developing a better 'sense of self', as the result of having the therapist as the 'listening other'.