Broadening the Vision: A Case for Community-Based Psychoanalysis in the Context of Usual Practice

Abstract

A case is made for community-based psychoanalysis as part of usual psychoanalytic practice. A safe community is first defined psychodynamically, after which three variations are presented on the community-based style and qualities and modes of practice compared with individual psychoanalytic therapy and psychoanalysis. Three community case studies, from Jamaica and the U.S., are then presented to illustrate and lend depth and aliveness to the theory. Finally, a plea is made for a community-based initiative in preventive physical and mental health care that uses schools as a basic site for addressing the causes and cure of socially and economically costly community problems, creating healthy individuals through each turn of the pre-K through twelfth grade school cycle.