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I appreciate this opportunity to reflect on psychoanalysis and dynamic psychiatry in today's mental health care environment.* Psychoanalysis and dynamic psychiatry were important parts of my training and practice. They have contributed to my understanding human behavior throughout my career.
I completed psychoanalytic training in 1970 at New York Psychoanalytic Institute, adding psychoanalysis to my psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy practice. While my career veered away from private practice, I have run clinics, hospital units, adolescent units, military outpatient departments, and enjoyed an academic career. I found practice interesting and fulfilling.
Human behavior fascinated me early. I had the unique experience of growing up in Catskills resort hotels. My father owned the Greenwood Hotel in Lakewood, New Jersey where I lived during the winter. He co-managed Catskills hotels where I spent summers.
Watching customers was fascinating. Mr. Weissman, learning there was special apple Strudel dessert, would request cherry Strudel. When Mr. Felstein arrived, he re-wiped all his silver, glasses, and dishes. Mrs. Millberg (200 pounds), sitting across from Mr. Millberg (125 pounds), finished her meal and started his. I wanted to laugh. After a period of interruption from hotel work, I returned as a waiter. One night a woman entered first as the dining room opened. My waiter colleague and I watched her approach a table and state loudly, “Where is my waiter; I want hot tea.” I said, “If she is on my station, I'll never work in a dining room again.” She was and my career as a waiter ended.
Years watching countless people with amusing and intriguing behavior made me want to understand them. These experiences drew