In this book Rosemary M. Balsam explores the overdrawn separations between the body and mind in psychoanalytic thinking, and considers the much neglected contribution of the physical body and its impact on the psyche. The book argues that it is not physically being a woman that affects a person’s mind, but it is living in that physical, biological body of the woman constantly creating reactive portraits in the mind, that affects the life we lead. Women's Bodies in Psychoanalysis singles out and explores the female body alluding to its history in theory. It also discusses clinical demonstrations that indicate the compelling nature of the sexed and biological female body. The book indicates that in order to advance thinking around sexuality and gender, the female body – specifically the pregnant body – needs to be reclaimed and reconceptualised. Illustrated throughout with clinical case studies, this book will allow the therapist to help the patient to appreciate how the elements of the physical body and the mind work together. It will interest analysts and psychotherapists, as well as academics and students with an interest in gender studies. --- from the publisher Contents: Introduction. A Language of Silence? Women Talking. The Vanished Pregnant Body. The Pregnant Mother and her Daughter’s Body Image. Childbirth. Childbirth in Vivo. Sisters and Brothers. Mothers and Daughters. Sons and Mothers: Fathers as Daughters’ Infant Caretakers. Implications for Theory.
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