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Introduction by Raúl A. García
This selection transcribes a segment of a conference held by the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis on the treatment of the borderline patient, on April 3, 1982. This segment consisted in Hyman Spotnitz supervising four cases, of four different analysts, before an audience, and a response by a distinguished discussant, Oscar Sternbach. The fact that this live supervision afforded us a rare glimpse into Spotnitz's method of supervising is the first reason for choosing it for reprint. A second reason is provided by his introductory theoretical remarks, which argue his significance in the development of psychoanalytic thinking. And the third reason lies in its being a “live” demonstration of the theory and practice of modern psychoanalysis, with its emotional and relational range from delighted interest to edginess, all focused on the emotional issues—the feelings with which the supervisees were working, their own as well as their patients’. It is very exciting, listening to a master clinician work. Hearing the tone and manner of Spotnitz's emotional engagement is why I return to the selection again and again. It reminds me of how I should work. The purpose of the supervision, he said, was to help the supervisees develop the “use of their personalities”