Citation

Mattei ML. Smith Coll. Stud. Soc. Work 2008; 78(2): 337-347.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00377310802114767

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this paper the author presents a case in light of some of the most exciting and liberating developments in contemporary psychoanalytic theory. Through the story the author reflects on her participation in a fierce life and death struggle to establish a space for “goodness” in an otherwise tortured and haunted life. The author summarizes this experience focusing on three dimensions: (1) the psychodynamics of addiction, (2) transference and countertransference implications from an intersubjective perspective, and (3) clinical implications derived from considerations of practice in a Latino and non-traditional therapeutic context.