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At first glance, the title of this book might indicate that it will be of use primarily to analysts in one of two special interest categories: first, those who deal with an HIV-positive, homosexual group of patients and, second, those interested in how psychoanalysts deal with an illness of their own while working actively with patients. As a reviewer, I am concerned that such an interpretation of the title will discourage readers with a more general interest in psychoanalysis and, in so doing, prevent them from encountering this unusual, stimulating book, which makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the nature of the psychoanalytic relationship and the specific importance of the analyst's considered self-disclosure as part of that relationship. Gilbert Cole has used his experience of being infected with HIV to write about the psychoanalytic encounter with a depth and honesty that is both refreshing and original. There is much more to be found here than the act of bravery involved in the author's coming out to his colleagues regarding his positive HIV status; as much as he writes from the heart, he does so with a distinct gift for putting his experience in an intellectual frame-work that will enhance most psychoanalysts' appreciation of the complexity of the analytic relationship and the potential effectiveness of self-disclosure. While clearly relational in his approach, Cole is thoroughly familiar with the traditional ego psychological approach and its justification for restricting the analyst's activity through the technical requirements of neutrality, anonymity, and abstinence. This enables him not only to illustrate his greater freedom of participation in his analytic work but also to explain why he believes that the restrictions on the analyst's activity in the classical model are of questionable necessity.
Because the author of this book is a psychoanalyst who is homosexual and HIV positive, he brings a unique perspective to the journey