Psychodynamic Perspectives on Abuse brings together psychoanalytic psychotherapists, political theorists, organisational consultants, social workers and social policy academics to explore the nature and ramifications of abuse in a new light. Abuse is defined broadly and considered as a widespread phenomenon with a variety of manifestations. Its consequences and their implications for intervention are discussed in detail with reference to three areas. In the clinical context, the focus is on overcoming the impacts of abuse on an individual's development, relationships and ability to...

-The aim of this book is to help us make sense of the feelings we have when we are successful and not successful in providing help for other people when they are in what one would describe as a -state-. It also addresses our own or others' experiences of feeling frustrated and defeated by attempts to achieve a compassionate and intelligent response when we are frightened and anxious.- -- From the Introduction

This volume looks closely at attachment theory and how it relates to adults when they engage in careseeking-caregiving relationships. The key concept in the book is...