A fresh look at psychoanalysis : the view from self psychology /

This scholarly book begins with an epistemological stance that theory is underdetermined and that there are different ways to explain data. Rather than revisiting psychoanalytic theory by reviewing it historically, Goldberg looks at the philosophical issues that have undergirded psychoanalytic theories, including self-psychology. As a result, readers are invited to take a phenomenological approach to understanding psychoanalysis and self-psychology. This book also includes engaging essays that address treatment techniques, including such issues as empathy and mirroring. The essays contain some interesting practical wisdom but would not be relevant to those readers drawn to the philosophical issues that constitute most of this book. Goldberg's essays--which interweave the philosophy of science with psychoanalysis and epistemology--are not for beginners, for the author presumes a working familiarity with both psychoanalysis and self-psychology. Most relevant to psychoanalytic scholars and practicing senior analysts, the book is also appropriate for scholars interested in the philosophy of science. -J. Berzoff, Smith College School for Social Work