Analysis as alternating “states of analysis” and “states of non-analysis” with reference to the book 'A Dangerous Daughter' by Diana Davis

Chris Milton

doi:10.24135/ajpanz.2024.05

Chris Milton

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/ajpanz.2024.05

Keywords: states of analysis; states of non-analysis; education in analysis.

Abstract

This paper focusses on how, in her book, A Dangerous Daughter (2021), Dina Davis describes the commencement of a psychoanalysis in which there is an interlacing of traditional psychoanalytic technique with education. Despite educative elements being a deviation from traditional psychoanalytic technique I argue that in sum total this process still amounts to analysis. I argue that analysis can be conceptualised as a dynamic balance between alternating “states of analysis” and “states of non-analysis”. Both are essentially part of analysis and education in analysis may be regarded as part of “states of non-analysis”. In this way education can be addressed in a conscious way by the analyst. There is potential further study of the question of how analysts might implement and monitor education in analysis.

Author Biography

Chris Milton

Chris Milton is a Jungian analyst and clinical psychologist in private practice in Auckland, New Zealand. He grew up in South Africa. Chris studied Clinical Psychology at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, in South Africa, and trained as a Jungian analyst with the Southern African Association of Jungian Analysts (SAAJA) in Cape Town. He currently devotes his clinical time to adult analysis and supervision of clinicians, but has previously worked psychotherapeutically with adults and with children, adolescents and their families in both the private and public sectors. Apart from his clinical and analytical work, he has taught, examined and supervised in psychiatry, clinical psychology, psychoanalysis and analytical psychology in both institute and university settings in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. He has published in the area of infant mental health, psychoanalytic processes, cultural complexes, and wellbeing. Chris is a training analyst and onetime Director of Training of the ANZSJA CG Jung Institute (the training body of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Jungian Analysts). He has also served as President of ANZSJA. Chris is a member of the Editorial Board of the Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology. He has a special interest in articulating the nature of analysis, in particular the ambience and aesthetics of the analytic encounter, shifts in analytic focus and the progression of dreams. He also has an interest in spirituality and transpersonal psychology, especially Kabbalah, and the practice of spiritual discipline.