Discussion of Luisa: A Clinical Presentation by Anne Alvarez

Abstract

This article is a reaction to the clinical report of Alvarez of a treatment of an anxious, somatizing late adolescent. Approaching this clinical dyad from a relational perspective, transference elements, projected identifications to analyst and to reader are considered. The issues of intergenerational transmission of trauma in work with children from histories of migration and separation are considered, the roles of class and money as barriers to treatment engagement are considered. The disguised hostilities and envies in the treatment are also explored.