A Clinical Introduction to Freud

Bruce Fink has long been one of the world's foremost authorities on the work of Jacques Lacan. Here, in true Lacanian fashion, he establishes himself as a Freudian. In his trademark style--engaging, informative, and clear without being reductive--Fink deftly guides the reader through a number of Freud's major works. What shines through is the clinical relevance of Freud's theoretical concepts for practitioners today.--Stephanie Swales, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Dallas and private practice Until this book, there has been no rigorous introduction to Freud for clinicians in English. Bruce Fink has not only written a superb guide for those who work in the talking therapies, but he has also managed to produce a kind of psychopathology of everyday life in the consulting room. Expositions of theory are combined with examples that will resonate with every clinician's daily practice, making a truly persuasive case for the contemporary relevance of Freud. Avoiding hagiography, Fink is both a generous and a critical reader of Freud, and I would recommend this book not only to clinicians but to anyone seeking a general introduction to Freudian theory and practice.--Darian Leader, Psychoanalyst, Centre for Freudian Analysis and Research, London Bruce Fink's Clinical Introduction to Freud is a richly and refreshingly technique-focused work addressed to a wide range of practicing and aspiring clinicians. As a close reading of Freud's texts (inspired by Lacan) and an accessible elaboration of Freudian technique, this book positions the reader to develop flexible, highly applicable clinical skills by thinking through Freud. This book is a highly relevant and welcome resource.--Amy Taylor, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, The Austen Riggs Center