Nathan Simon, training and supervising analyst at the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute, has taught The Rat Man for over 20 years. Six years ago, he composed this piece and used it in teaching analytic candidates. He feels it is best performed with the accompaniment of drums and double bass. TAP has published Simon's work before and we are pleased and entertained to see this creative composition.
AN ANALYTIC RAP ON NOTES UPON A CASE OF AN OBSESSIONAL NEUROSIS
A guy name Ernst and a guy named SigGot together for an analytic gig.Concern about debts was Ernst's main botherSig said, “No way! It's all about your father.”Rats and ghosts caused Ernst's consternation.Sig was sure it was childhood masturbation.Ernst behaved like he had a case of rabies,But Sig figured out he was worried about babies.Ernst pleaded passionately his need for Gisella.Sig let him know he really loved a fellow.Sex. Rats. Money. Ernst's mind got bleary.Sig was ecstatic. It neatly fit his theory.Ernst voiced feelings: deep, despairing.Sig responded with a pickled herring.Sig built a theory, compact, intense,Without noting his countertransference.Sig solved the riddle. Ernst learned some lessons.And suddenly was free of all of his obsessions.What relieved symptoms of this excited barristerMay not work well for the obsessional characterErnst got the girl. Sig got a medal.Now we've got a case with problems to settle.
Sheri Butler Hunt, M.D., is a graduate analyst in the adult and child divisions at the Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. A published poet and member of TAP‘s editorial board, she welcomes readers’ comments and suggestions at .