Prologue

The Society of Analytical Psychology uses monthly meetings of the Analytic Group as a forum for members to think about their ongoing work with patients, within the relatively closed conditions of such meetings. Papers usually last for forty-five minutes and are followed by discussion.

I was asked to take on the chairmanship of the Analytic Group in 1990-91. I had noticed that these meetings tended to be a forum for more senior analysts. I thought that it might be possible to breathe fresh life into the discussions if newer members could be encouraged to give clinical presentations of their ongoing work with patients. The papers evolved into an investigation into borderline states of mind. There seemed to be a theme running through them that drew upon Michael Fordham's concept of deintegration/reintegration as a model for the natural unfolding of the self. It seemed appropriate to ask Dr Fordham, the founder of the London school of Jungian analysis, to open the series.

Mrs Barbara Wharton, a senior analyst, had not given a paper to the Analytic Group before. Four of the contributors were able to conduct analysis within the National Health Service. Dr Lorenzo Bacelle runs an in-patient unit for psychotic adults. Dr Geoffrey Brown runs a secure unit within the NHS where he is able to contain adolescent patients and use analysis as an important part of their treatment. Dr Pietroni also uses his analytic skills working within the NHS. Jane Bunster is a child analyst and works in an NHS clinic; this influences her work with borderline adult patients. Dr Alan Edwards, an early member of the SAP, offered to draw the themes together in the final paper. Newer members were encouraged to take part in the discussions.

I am grateful to Dr Edwards for his idea that these papers could be used as an example of ongoing clinical work in the SAP and to Dr Gordon who suggested that the publication as an issue of the Journal of Analytical Psychology might be appropriate. I would like to tha