The Psychoanalysis of Symptoms

Prevailing wisdom in the clinical arena has had it that each psychological sy- tom is a separate lock requiring its correspondingly unique key. Thus, it has been thought with respect to symptoms, that there are an infinite number of locks and a correspondingly infinite number of keys. Further, the psychoanalytic sense of it is that each symptom needs to be assessed, analyzed, and approached with reference to the unique experience of the patient and the patient’s history; among other f- tors, also in terms of psychosexual conflict, and ego-strength. Given this position, it also has been felt that no single procedure, or code could be developed to address all symptoms of all patients as though, as an analogy, one lock and one key could apply to every symptom. In this sense, there has been scarcely any attempt to derive a universal code that would address all symptoms with respect to the formation and structure of the symptom, regardless of the patient’s particular experience and psychological h- tory. In this volume, however, with only a few qualifications, I will present a s- gle universal code to unlock any and all specifically defined psychological symptoms. I will present a system and procedure–a blueprint–with which to do it. One key. Further, this procedure will be guided entirely by a set of propositions and axioms regarding each step in the unlocking of any symptom.

In this volume, Dr. Henry Kellerman has constructed a lens through which the inner working of pscyhological symptoms can be clearly seen.  Along with this he has proposed a code for unraveling such symptoms.  He then carefully applies this symptom-code, in detail, to a wide variety of symptoms.  This is an important psychoanalytic work; and elegant conception, elegantly presented. -- Harry Sands, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Editor, Journal of Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis; and Former President, New York State Psychological Association

In a compelling theoretical synthesis, Dr. Kellerman proposes that the only phenomenon in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy subject to cure is the patient's psychological symptom.  All else is helping the patient struggle better.  An X-ray of the symptom is developed and a method to efficiently penetrate the symptom is demonstrated. The important contribution here is that Kellerman has distilled the four basic elements that comprise a symptom-code -- a universal key that unlocks symptoms.  I believe this work is a tour de force, and constitutes a classic advance psychoanalytic understanding. -- Vincenzo Conigliaro, M.D., Dean and Medical Director, Training Institute for Mental Health

Dr. Kellerman introduces a system called the symptom-code that enables clinicians to understand and treate a wide variety of debilitating symptoms.  Much of Dr. Kellerman's case material reads like a detective story in which the symptom-code is applied and the meaning of the symptom becomes readily apparent.  The reader will find these cases fascinating and the explanations given by Dr. Kellerman quite convincing. -- Mary Beth M. Cresci, Past President, Section of Psychologist/Psychoanalyst Practitioners

Henry Kellerman, Ph.D. is training analyst and senior supervisor at the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health in New York City.  He is the author and editor of numerous works and scientific papers and was the editor of the Columbia University book series Personality, Psychopathology, and Psychotherapy: Theoretical and Clinical Perspectives. A former National Institute of Mental Health Fellow, Dr. Kellerman is also a fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Group Psychotherapy Association.  He maintains a private psychoanalytic practice in New York City.

Anthony Burry, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst and Diplomate at the American Board of Assessment Psychology.  He was formerly the Director of Psychology Internship training, supervisor, and faculty member at the Postgraduate Center of Mental Health.  Dr. Burry was also Director of Psychological Evaluation at Comprehensive Psychological Services, and a Senior Supervisor of school mental health programs at the Brooklyn Center for Psychotherapy.  He maintains a private practice in psychotherapy and psychodiagnostic testing in New York City.