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I will begin my commentary on Ms. Vassilopoulou's text by thanking her for the opportunity she has given me to participate in this psychoanalytic dialogue.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the editors of Oedipus for their overall contribution to the field of psychoanalysis, and, in particular, for their initiative in creating a place for exchanging views on the sensitive work of clinical cases. We are well aware that dialogue broadens our understanding of the psyche.
Ms. Vassilopoulou's material led me to reflect on where one could focus their interest. On issues of differentiation, gender identity, or technique?
Petros has difficulties with ‘identifications,’ says the psychologist at the centre where his parents first sought help. The parents are concerned about the obesity of both boys, and especially about Petros' refusal to show them his penis. This concern, therefore, stems from issues related to sexuality and gender identity in both boys.
The concept of identification in Freud's work evolves, expands through individual psychic mechanisms, and is referred to as a process through which the subject is constituted. Investments in the Oedipal parents are replaced by identifications, and bisexuality constitutes a dual identification with the masculine and feminine aspects of both parents.