A Clinical Introduction to Lacanian Psychoanalysis

"I really hate to give this excellent book such a low rating, as it will, due to the lack of reviews, bring the overall rating down significantly. However, I believe it to be neccesary as the quality of the (physical) book itself is really quite weak. On the copy I recieved the ink appeared faded on some of the pages and even ran off at the edges on others. If there are any other versions of this book I recommend that you purchase them.

Now onto the actual review. This book is absolutely indispensible to the ignorant, unilingual English speaker like myself. No matter what approach you wish to take towards Lacan, whether it be philosophical, clinical or critical, this book will truly light your path. Since Lacan's theory of psychoanalysis is wrapped up in language/linguistics much of his writing and termimonlogy appears to get "lost in translation" to the English-speaking beginner. Dare I say, modern English, especially in its American mutations, lacks a lot of expressive power. Fink, being the translator of much of Lacan's work from French to English, understands this better than anyone and patiently goes through the difficulties of the terminology with the reader. For that reason, even if you are acquainted with Lacan already, but find some of what he says difficult to understand, I would implore you to get this book.

From a [wannabe] practioner's perpective it explores, with precision and in great detail, many aspects of clinical treatment (much of which are supported by case studies), while always keeping pace with the reader. I believe that this book would be invaluable for anyone working in any form of psychotherapy, even people who are generally repulsed by psychoanalysis. Lacanian psychoanalysis allows practitioners to understand that their influence over their patient, due to their percieved position, gives them great pull over the patients unconcious. For this reason, minor remarks, usually made due to the practioners own bias, can have majorly regressive effects on the patients treatment.

Great book Fink, but get a new publisher!!!"
~ Written on 2006-12-06

"It is the first time ,in my opinion,that an ambitious attempt to approach a "difficult"discourse achieves its aim :to develop in a brief and explicit way without any extravagant simplifications a theoritical laying concerning the function of human psychic apparatus.The detailed footnotes and the lucid bibliography form one more advantage of the book. In short,although this could be characterised as an unusual attempt for the American psychoanalytic scheming ,the overall outcome is enviable. Alkis Melidoniotis,MD Department of Psychiatry Naval Hospital of Crete Greece"
~ Written on 1999-03-17

"Dr. Fink has managed in this text to provide readers from various backgrounds with crucial links between Lacanian theory and practice. It is especially useful for those already acquainted with Lacan's writing from a philosophical perspective who wish to see the application of his work. Whether one is a clinician or not, anyone with an interest in Lacan and psychoanalytic theory should read this book. The discussion is penetrating and the case studies illuminating. A very rewarding read."
~ Written on 1998-03-25