Lacan on Psychosis From Theory to Praxis Philosophy and Psychoanalysis Series

This is the first book of its kind that attempts to distill Lacan?s views on psychosis for both a specialized and non-specialized audience. An attempt is made to present Lacan?s unorganized theories to apply to conceptual paradigms in psychoanalysis and the humanities as well as applied clinical practice. This effort is in the spirit of fostering dialogue and educating different theoretical orientations within psychoanalysis on what Lacan and his followers have contributed to emerging contemporary perspectives on psychotic phenomena in both normative and pathological populations.

Within Lacanian circles there is debate over what constitutes psychosis, including defining the ordinary from pathological variants that have historically defined the phenomena as a mental illness. Here psychosis is not defined by hegemonic authoritarian psychiatry, but rather as a conceptual framework or philosophical perspective supported by descriptive narrative and symptomatic phenomenology that challenges preconceived notions of what we typically consider psychosis to entail.

In this book a variety of perspectives are presented by internationally respected scholars and clinicians who examine what Lacan had to say about psychosis, from his nuanced theories represented in select texts, including omissions, extrapolations, and new applications, as well as how clinical methodology and technique have been adapted and advanced by practitioners treating psychotic individuals.

Lacan on Psychosis will be of interest to academics, scholars, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, philosophy, cultural theory, the humanities, and the behavioral sciences.

Introduction: Beyond Nous

1 Lacan on Paranoiac Knowledge Jon Mills

2 The Psychosis of Freedom: Law in Modernity Todd McGowan

3 On Ordinary Psychosis Stijn Vanheule

4 Through Symptom into Meaning: The Ethic of Speech in Working with the Psychotic Subject David L. Downing

5 Villemoes’ Ego-Structuring Therapy: A Lacanian Treatment Method for Schizophrenia Wilfried Ver Eecke

6 Problems of Femininity in the Psychoanalytical Treatment of Psychotic Women Willy Apollon, Danielle Bergeron, & Lucie Cantin

7 A Lacanian View of the Resolution of an Impasse Charles Turk

Jon Mills, PsyD, PhD, ABPP, is a philosopher, psychoanalyst, and clinical psychologist. He is Professor of Psychology and Psychoanalysis at Adler Graduate Professional School, Toronto, and is the author of numerous works. He runs a mental health corporation in Ontario, Canada.

David L. Downing, PsyD, ABPP, is a psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist. He is Professor of Psychology at the University of Indianapolis, School of Psychological Sciences. Author of many works, he also maintains a private practice in Illinois and Indiana, USA.