ABSTRACT
Asymmetry in the psychoanalytic literature usually refers to the privileged status of the analyst in the therapeutic relationship. This chapter draws attention to a range of implicit and explicit asymmetries that favour the analysand and considers their impact on the analyst; these asymmetries are termed the Other asymmetry. The main focus is on an implicit process asymmetry having to do with the freedom to express oneself – analysts are not free to express themselves, their passion, subjectivity except insofar as it serves the work. It is argued that analysts’ disciplined, silent, restrained, interior gauging of where the analysand is, what is happening between them or within self, this gauging works both to create a tension of frustrated expression for the analyst and simultaneously to create a generative space and ground wherein understanding, healing and growth may occur. This arena of growth opens for both participants potential engagement in a range of vital relational and intellectual experiences. It is suggested that our engagement therein is sustained by a kind of steady, focused psychoanalytic passion – a passion for being, playing and working in the medium of relationship.
