Psychoanalytic therapy for addiction

This talk on psychoanalytic therapy for addiction was organized by Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health, Neuro & Allied Sciences in collaboration with India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. It was a part of a 12-month interactive series on Indian psychoanalysis (2012 -2013) curated by the then newly established psychoanalytic therapy unit at VIMHANS, New Delhi.

The speaker is Pulkit Sharma, a well-known clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic therapist, spiritual counselor and author now based in Pondicherry, India. In this talk, Pulkit Sharma draws upon his psychoanalytic psychotherapy experiences, and vast knowledge to challenge the widespread Indian notions around addictions. He argues that addictions are a very complex phenomenon with unconscious roots dating back to early childhood. Pulkit Sharma invites everyone to look at addictions from a deeper perspective with curiosity and unwavering empathy.

Highlights of the talk:
1. Addiction as an emotional shield against pain
2. The impaired capacity to soothe oneself
3. Addictions, unmet dependency needs and narcissistic gratification
4. Unconscious rage and self-punishment
5. How to work psychoanalytically with individuals suffering from addiction

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