title: Discontinuities in the male psyche: waiting, deadness and disembodiment. Archetypal and clinical approaches.
abstract: The discontinuities of development in the male psyche that are manifested in some analyses in unconscious experiences of inner disintegration are described. Narcissism and a de-somatized relationship to their own presence are the dominant clinical presentation in these patients. The analyst sometimes experiences these analyses as 'dead', as a result of the projection of a 'dead mother' object. The question of how psychic deadness and impotence can be worked with is examined. Clinical experience with these men shows how notions associated with the puer-senex archetype can illuminate the stark realities of a patient's early experiences, particularly in how mother's presence is felt. A theoretical and clinical bridge is proposed between puer and narcissus to frame how a man may unconsciously strive against psychic fragmentation by clinging to an identification with both--in order to remain intact in the face of being caught in a pre-pubescent state which reflects the insecure attachment to mother. The author describes how patients may find a more grounded embrace of reality via the use of the analyst's empathy and a greater potency through work in the transference/countertransference. These strengthening achievements help men to begin to leave the 'dead mother' behind.
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Goss
mesh_terms: D004325:Dreams / Q000523:psychology; D004532:Ego; D006801:Humans; D007062:Identification, Psychological; D053609:Lethargy / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D009289:Narcissism; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D014167:Transference, Psychology; D014473:Unconscious, Psychology