Plenary Session - "Eros as a 'Character' in the Analytic Field: Listening Vertices"

     This session, facilitated by Caron Harrang (Northwestern Psychoanalytic Society and Institute) in collaboration with John Cardinali (Seattle Psychoanalytic Society and Institute), explores clinical material centered on erotic phenomena. John will serve as the “group voice” moderator, identifying themes that emerge during the discussion.

     Caron begins by introducing the concept of eros as a “character” within the analytic field, emphasizing how a clinician’s theoretical framework shapes their perception and interpretation of erotic phenomena. The analytic field, as a metaphor, is defined as the intersubjective space of analytic discourse (Ferro & Basile, 2009; Ferro & Civitarese, 2015; Civitarese, 2021a, 2023a, 2023b). In this context, the field reflects the dynamic interaction between the subjectivities of analyst and patient, co-constituted through their intersubjective exchanges. Eros, conceptualized as a “character,” encompasses the diverse manifestations of sexuality within the analytic encounter.

     After outlining the plenary program and defining key terms—including eros, analytic field, characters, and listening vertices—Caron will present clinical material from an analytic treatment to a panel of local psychoanalytic candidates, early-career psychoanalysts, and analytically oriented psychotherapists: Charlotte Malkmus, Becky McGuire, Sabina Neem, and Leif Tellman. Without prior exposure to the material, each panelist will share their spontaneous impressions of eros's role in the analytic encounter. This range of responses aims to foster a nuanced and evolving understanding of eros in the clinical context.
 

     To deepen the interpretive process, audience members will be invited to contribute their perspectives on the role of eros in the clinical encounter, enriching the dialogue between the presenter and panelists. John will then synthesize the collective insights, summarizing key themes from the discussion. This concluding “listening vertex” seeks to integrate the ethical, theoretical, and practical implications of engaging with eros in the analytic relationship and in professional group dynamics.