Contemporary Ways of Hearing: Multiple Models in Psychoanalytic Treatment

This case and two of the commentaries which follow were originally given at a conference held in June 1995 sponsored by the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis in conjunction with the Chicago Association for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Dr Michael Horowitz kindly agreed to write up his case and Drs Paula Fuqua and Frank Summers were able to produce written versions of the commentaries they had given extemporaneously at the meeting. We understand that a third commentary has been added by the BJP organizers and we look forward to seeing that point of view. Because of increased attention to different forms of psychoanalytic thinking among psychoanalysts and psychotherapists world-wide, the conference organizers thought it would be interesting and useful to hear one case followed by comments made by analysts who represented different schools of thought. A frequent conference format in our area consists of a case presentation, followed, firstly by formal discussion and, later, by informal discussion from the floor. When we considered this structure, we were concerned that the large amount of material to be passively absorbed might stifle all but the most brave and determined of audience members. We feared that by the time audience members had listened to a case presentation and four discussants, we would lose them to the nearby shopping district at the coffee break if we didn't pay especial attention to keeping them engaged. At the same time, we knew we would attract a relatively sophisticated audience - people who would have their own thoughts and opinions about the case and that most people use talking about their ideas to bring them more to the surface. We thought the audience might be more able to