Thursday, November 29, 2007

Expert Interview

I interviewed my grandmother. She is a psychoanalyst in Brazil. I thought her opinion was good because it gave me an analysts' perspective on some of the issues I've been researching. She also has an "outsiders" view when considering psychoanalysis within the United States.

The only hard part about this assignment was having to translate her email form Portuguese into English. hehe...I think I did a pretty good job.


Interview
Q: On average, how much does it cost for an individual to undergo psychoanalysis?

A: The "value" of analysis is not exclusively quantified by the monetary aspect, but rather by an individuals' "implication" with themselves. I use the word implication to signify the patients' persistence in continuing with the process. Psychoanalysis is of the patient and not of the analyst. The value of the analysis depends on the value the patient gives to them self, and on their socioeconomic conditions. There are people for whom 30 dollars is too much, and yet they pay with satisfaction. For others, 300 dollars is nothing and yet they complain.

Q: Given your knowledge, do you believe psychoanalysis is practiced more within Brazil or the United States?

A: I'm assuming psychoanalysis is more widely practiced in Brazil, but that does not go to say there aren't psychoanalysts in the US. There was a time in which psychoanalysis was greatly developed within Argentina, until the military regime banned the practice and many analysts took refuge in Brazil in order to continue practicing. It was not of the government's interest because they already had "analysts" within their regime.

Q: Would you say there is a specific "type" of person that seeks out psychoanalysis more so than others?

A: I would say yes. A fundamental element needed for somebody to seek out an analyst is the desire to better understand themselves. Few are those that become familiar with their existence.

Q: What are some factors you have found to get in the way of an individuals analysis?

A: Once a client is conscious and more aware of the role psychoanalysis has on them, there may be personal resistance. There isn't really such thing as inhibiting factors, but rather desires on the line. I have found no external factors, but yet it is interesting to see many people resist analysis claiming they have no economic conditions to pay.

Q: Do you think the Brazilian government is in favor of psychoanalysis? Do you think they support it?

A: Here, the government neither supports nor favors it. However, there are public institutions where an analyst may be given a role to fulfill, almost always in the health area.

Q: Given your knowledge, what are some factors differentiating the US from Brazil that ultimately inhibit the progression of psychoanalysis?

A: In the United States, I believe a combination of both cultural and economic factors are fundamental in the inhibition of psychoanalytic development. This is because, as an intensely capitalistic society, Americans are continuously in search of "something" (an "object") they may buy in order to immediately resolve that which they are in search of. That is, the solution to their "problem". Proof of this is the intense use of psychological medications. Both Freud and Lacan do not offer these purchasable objects. The American culture is a consumerist one, always hoping their solution is on the market. What a waste of time! This is good for commerce and the industry, but not for an individual subject to the Unconscious. People buy their psychological medications to find they are still having emotional problems. They buy another brand, and same results. And they buy another...

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