A Discussion of Jack Drescher's “Handle with Care: The Psychoanalysis of a Touchy Case”

Abstract

The author discusses Jack Drescher's paper “The Psychoanalysis of a Touchy Case.” The discussion takes up issues related to Drescher's patient's symptoms, his long-term relationship, and his developmental history as a gay man. This discussion focuses not only on the nature of the patient's problems, but also draws attention to the helpful clinical ways in which Drescher approached his patient, and the way in which Drescher's approach differed from the patient's earlier encounters with other therapists.

KEYWORDS:

• anxiety
• attachment
• coming out
• depression
• development
• gay
• gay relationships
• homosexuality
• internalized homophobia
• loss
• psychotherapy
• psychoanalysis
• self-esteem
• therapeutic action