The Enigma of Desire

by Galit Atlas

The Enigma of Sex, Longing and Belonging in Psychoanalysis, introduces new perspectives on desire and longing, in and outside of the analytic relationship. This exciting volume explores the known and unknown, ghosts and demons, sexuality and lust. Galit Atlas discusses the subjects of sex and desire and explores what she terms the Enigmatic and the Pragmatic aspects of sexuality, longing, female desire, sexual inhibition, pregnancy, parenthood and creativity. The author focuses on the levels of communication that take place in the most intimate between mothers and their babies; between lovers; in the unconscious bond of two people― in the consulting room, where two individuals sit alone in one room, looking and listening, breathing and dreaming. Atlas examines the ways in which different languages, translations and integrations focus on birth, death, sexuality, and human bonds. In The Enigma of Desire each chapter opens with a narrative, a therapeutic story which illustrates both the analyst’s and patient’s desires and the ways these interact and emerge in the consulting room. This book will be of interest to anyone who is interested in the intricacies of sex and desire and of great appeal to psychoanalysts, therapists and mental health professionals.

Genres: Psychology, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Sexuality, Theory

196 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2015

Reviews

[Sharon Yulong · Rating 2 out of 5]

Non mi andava neanche di recensire... Però devo dire che è stato sciapo, passivo, capitoli che non mi hanno sbloccato alcuna emozione, anzi a tratti anche fastidiosi. Non è quello che cercavo, una delusione.
Mi ha davvero stancato il concetto di madre-bambino per spiegare quasi ogni situazione, conflitto o problematica adulta; l'attaccamento, la relazione diadica onnipresente ecc. Volevo seriamente abbandonarlo, ma mi sono fatta forza... Lo considero vecchio, evolvetevi, basta con queste teorie, regno edipico ovunque. L'unica cosa che mi è piaciuta di Freud è esprimere che nascita e morte sono una cosa sola.
E poi, come si fa a dichiarare che in una donna, il desiderio appartiene essenzialmente al proprio corpo! Che distorsione, racconti terapeutici spaventosi direi, ma di proibito, confermo, c'è ben poco... peccato.
La ricerca empirica non è in grado di dare una risposta completa, soprattutto a ciò che è inaccessibile... L'enigmatico vive nel vuoto, ed esternare è una questione complessa.
#dybbuk

[Noga Ariel-Galor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galit Atals' book is by far one of the most innovative pieces for people who are interested in the creative ways in which contemporary psychoanalysis views sexuality. By combining both American and European psychoanalytic thinkers, Atlas really does integrate between schools and eras, and thus creates a timeless piece on its own.

[Michael Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

the case studies, and atlas's thinking in relation to them, are fresh and fascinating, but the unattached scholarly chapters were less persuasive, and on the whole dreary (unnecessary).

[joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully written case material

[Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ohhh yeahhhhh