J Am Acad Psychoanal Dyn Psychiatry. 2005 Spring;33(1):119-36. Related
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Psychoanalysis, creativity, and hope: forward edge strivings in the life and
work of choreographer Paul Taylor.

Press CM.

Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.

Psychoanalysis and creativity are not interchangeable enterprises; however, both
creativity and psychoanalysis promise the hope of transformation. But hope may
be fragile. Healthy aspects of self may hide and diminish hope to protect it
against invasion from toxic pathological patterns. Hope may be rekindled by an
empathically responsive environment and the reengagement of healthy forward edge
strivings. Psychoanalysis illustrates creativity as a conduit for hope. Modern
dance choreographer Paul Taylor's 1988 autobiography, Private Domain, describes
Taylor's hope and strivings through creative engagement. Unfortunately, when
Taylor's body inevitably falters after years of performing, he is unprepared
psychologically to cope successfully. Taylor's sense of self begins to fragment
and his forward edge strivings to decay. Eventually, Taylor collapses on stage
from drug addiction and illness; his performing career crashes to an end. Taylor
must search for his forward edge strivings with hope. Psychoanalysis illuminates
Taylor's journey to find hope, motivation, meaningful intention, and
transformation through creativity and dance-making.

PMID: 15953780 [PubMed - in process]
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