Handle with Care: The Psychoanalysis of a Touchy Case

Abstract

This is a case of the long-term psychoanalytic treatment of a 59-year-old, gay man. The patient initially presented with anxiety symptoms related to caring for a depressed, disabled long-term partner. Throughout the treatment, the patient carried feelings of entitlement and perfectionism that made straightforward interpretations difficult. An important theme of the treatment was the patient's coming to terms with the limits of his ability to control his partner's moods, and both of them accepting the disabling nature of the partner's depression. The treatment also focused on the patient's feelings of shame, self-esteem, and entitlement. As he worked through those feelings, the patient developed an increased capacity to appropriately assert himself in his relationship, in his work, and in the treatment relationship.

KEYWORDS:

• anxiety
• coming out
• depression
• gay
• homosexuality
• psychoanalysis
• self-esteem
• shame

Notes

1. New York City has a rent-stabilization law that prevents landlords from raising tenants’ rents beyond a certain percentage mandated by New York State on a yearly basis.