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I was analyzed by Professor Virgínia Bicudo in the 1960s for seven years. She was firm but gentle in her relationships. Her communications were clear and precise.
Her speech was concise, sometimes reduced to a short phrase or even a word. The common denominator was the search for truth, which to her was the ethics of psychoanalysis. Generosity, solidarity and a sense of justice stood out in her balanced posture. These resources brought me an adequate model, which began to inhabit my mental world, enriching, correcting and reformulating some of my inadequate thoughts, ideas and judgments. This contributed to my growth, my quality of life and also gave me a greater confidence at work.
I believe she understood the very essence of psychoanalysis. I had the privilege of spending time with a brave, audacious and modern woman, who had a vocation and talent for psychoanalytic work. Another striking characteristic of Virgínia was her great consideration for neutrality and impeccable respect for analytic technique.
After the first years of analysis, I had the honor of collaborating with her on initiatives springing from her creativity. Virgínia had returned from her training in London , where she perfected her knowledge of the contributions of Melanie Klein, with whom she maintained friendship ties. This participation allowed me to witness her countless achievements, which contributed to the development of psychoanalysis in São Paulo and in Brazil in general, considering only the period between 1960 and 1970.
I consider this period, which I will describe below, the most fertile one for the growth of psychoanalysis in Brazil.
In May 1966, on the initiative of Virgínia Leone Bicudo, director of the Institute at the time, the first edition of the Journal of Psychoanalysis was published. This journal is still today the only publication in Brazil from a psychoanalytic society affiliated with the IPA. It was created with the aim of furthering the research, teaching, investigation, d