Frontline

In an elegant, thoughtful, and lucid article, “Some Comments on the Nature and Use of the Concept of Psyche in Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy,” Crittenden Brookes examines the concept of “psyche,” a concept utterly basic and ubiquitous in our field. He rests on a phenomenologic base, which seems entirely consistent with his scientific perspective, and additionally finds himself conducting an inquiry into the concept of “mind.” He touches on “soul” and “spirit,” but finds them largely peripheral to his quest. I think that readers will relish the opportunity to assess for themselves how satisfying are his concluding definitions and principles. In my reading, this Jungian analyst thinks and writes quite comfortably in the tradition of ego-psychology.

In “Orthodox Judaism and Psychoanalysis: Toward Dialogue and Reconciliation,” Mariam Cohen and Joel Gereboff bring together their expertise in psychoanalysis, religious studies, and philosophy. They draw on an exemplary acquaintance with the literature of their respective fields of study, offering a sociologic and philosophic discussion of interactions between orthodox Judaism and psychoanalysis. They point out the mutual hostility that has largely prevailed and seek possibilities for constructive dialogue. While it is not their main thrust, there are recurring and gratifying glimpses of each group's contemplation of the data arising from phenomenologic introspection. This is particularly true in the section on possible reconciliation. In so doing, they find some common ground with Brookes. Nevertheless, their work basically contrasts with and complements his in its focus on the very areas to which he pays limited attention, that is, spirituality and soul.

Three contributions in this Journal issue—two articles and one summary in the section, “News from the Field”—contain extensive clinical presentations of dynamic therapeutic process. Collectively, they report on a total of six patients all of whom present sp