TY - JOUR A1 - Messler Davies, Jody T1 - The thin blue line of the interpersonal-intrapsychic dialectic. Commentary on papers by Gerson and Spezzano JF - Psychoanalytic Dialogues, Vol. 14 (2004), pp. 711-732. N2 - What allows us to explain the repetitive cycles of self-destructive, self-defeating behavior that we all struggle to help patients overcome? What explains the malignancy that can infuse certain transference – countertransference relationships, often suddenly and without warning? Why do some patients come to hate us despite our best efforts? Why do we come to hate some of them? Perhaps more to the point of this paper, why do we come to hate that version of ourselves that emerges when we are with them? This paper explores these questions, examining the issues of repetition and repair with regard to our most toxic introjects – the patients' and our own. Whereas Melanie Klein helped us to understand why we come to hate that which is good in others, this author explores the complementary question of how loving that which is bad in others keeps the self innocent, good, and sane. A fundamental dissociative split in two necessary but incompatible self–other organizations is posed. With reference to a detailed clinical example, the author investigates how the evocation of intensely shame-riddled bad self representations in both the patient and the analyst can perpetuate a need to provoke, find, and sustain that badness clearly in the psychic domain of the other, blocking entry into certain necessary therapeutic enactments that may therefore fail to occur. Both self – other organizations must occur, first in oscillating moments and ultimately in simultaneous awareness, in order for the analytic work to proceed. Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Messler Davies, Jody T1 - The three faces of two-person psychology development, ontology, and epistemology JF - Psychoanalytic Dialogues, Vol. 14 (2004), pp. 755-767. N2 - The following response to discussions by Benjamin and by Fonagy and Target focuses on several issues raised, including linearity versus multiplicity in the assessment of developmental capacities, the complex interplay of shame and subjectivity in an intersubjective field, the notion of surrender in resolving therapeutic impasse, and some thoughts on the concept of the third, as they are exemplified in this case material. Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Messler Davies, Jody T1 - Wish, need, and neediness. Commentary on Shabad's >resentment, indignation, entitlement< JF - Psychoanalytic Dialogues, Vol. 15 (2005), pp. 779-805. N2 - This paper revisits the case of >Karen< (>Whose Bad Objects Are We Anyway? Repetition and Our Elusive Love Affair with Evil,< PD 14/6) eight years after the time period described in the earlier paper, and uses this case material as a backdrop for discussing a relational reformulation of the termination process. The paper posits that an analysis conducted around a model of mind that holds multiple self–other configurations as the fundamental organizing structures needs to take these self–other configurations into account in ending an intensive treatment. Therefore termination becomes, from this perspective, a series of endings between multiple self–other dyads that have emerged during the treatment process. Extended clinical material is provided to illustrate this point of view. Y1 - 2005 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Messler Davies, Jody T1 - The clinical use of the dream in interpersonal psychoanalysis a dream specimen JF - Psychoanalytic Dialogues Vol. 13 (2003), pp. 001-027. N2 - The author, reconsidering the concept of the Oedipus complex, attempts to reestablish its significance as a major developmental milestone, while at the same time disentangling it from any linear assumptions regarding sexual orientation or object choice. A postoedipal phase of development is suggested in which the emphasis on romantic perfection and idealization of the love object, endemic to oedipal processes, is transformed and intimacy and mutual psychic and emotional interpenetrability become the defining features. Oedipal and postoedipal forms of romantic relatedness are always viewed as functioning dialectically, in mutually enriching and invigorating synergy. Specific transference – countertransference manifestations of the transition from primarily oedipal to primarily postoedipal forms of engagement are considered, with special attention given to the notion of >oedipal victors< and >oedipal losers.< Aspects of erotic masochism related to this transitional phase of development are also discussed. A lengthy case example of an erotic impasse between a female analyst and a female patient is offered as an illustration of some of these concepts. Y1 - 2003 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Messler Davies, Jody T1 - The Clinton Phenomenon JF - Psychoanalytic Dialogues Vol. 13 (2003), pp. 065-075. N2 - In this discussion the author reflects on some similarities and differences between Steven Cooper's paper and her own and offers some additional thoughts on oedipal and postoedipal processes that become highlighted during the termination phase of analytic treatment. Y1 - 2003 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Messler Davies, Jody T1 - The silent patient JF - Psychoanalytic Dialogues, Vol. 14 (2004), pp. 517-526. N2 - This commentary is a response to questions and discussion points raised by Peter Fonagy and Mary Target in >Playing with the Reality of Analytic Love.< It includes a discussion of the relationship between attachment and sexuality, in addition to issues concerning seductiveness, sadomasochism and therapeutic change. Y1 - 2004 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Altman, Neil A1 - Messler Davies, Jody T1 - Some distinguishing features of Heinz Kohut's self psychology JF - Psychoanalytic Dialogues Vol. 12 (2002), pp. 359-360. Y1 - 2002 ER -