Letters to the Editors: On: Review of The training Seminars of Ralph R. Greenson, MD

Dear Sirs,

My book, which contains annotated transcripts of the Greenson seminars on assessment and the initial interviews, was reviewed by Jerome Winer (2006). I much appreciate his thoughtful comments, however, I do want to clarify three points.

First, in his review, Dr. Winer suggests that there might be some intrigue related to the fact that Greenson's library was donated to the Institute in San Diego rather than his own in Los Angeles. Here I must disappoint the reader, as the reason is not related to any sordid conflicts. In fact, Greenson always held a great fondness for the San Diego Institute since he was one of its founders. I regret not making this clear in the acknowledgments section of the book, as in this case I failed to consider how reasonable it is to suspect that splits and conflicts are the rule (not the exception) in our psychoanalytic circles.

Second, I appreciate Dr. Winer's highlighting the value of the book for candidates, but want to add that the book had two other target audiences described in the introduction. The book is also written as an opportunity for teachers to ‘observe’ the inspired teaching of psychoanalysis. For those of us who have concerns about how to train our teachers to be more effective, I hope that giving an example such as Greenson might be useful; it certainly has been for me.

Last, the book was written to provide some basic concepts for clinicians who work in the managed care environment, including those who do not have the benefit of analytic training. It is to this audience that I directed many of my annotations about insurance demands for very quick assessments and short-term treatments. The idea was to demonstrate the value of psychoanalytic insights beyond the practice of psychoanalysis. I am convinced that the future of psychoanalysis is brighter if we can use our insights to assist those working non-analytically, including those who administer medications. For this reason, the book is also directed at an audience of