313pp., paperback, Routledge, Abingdon, 2025

ISBN: 9781032471976

A collection of 39 letters written by a group of psychoanalysts, each addressing the aspect of parenthood they most want to share and what they wish they knew before becoming a parent.

"This collection of 39 letters is as unique as its creator/editor, who conceived of a way for psychoanalysis to reach out and touch parents in order to enable them to comprehend what makes parenting so perplexing at times and how it may well become the most exciting adventure that life has in store, one that becomes rewarding in ways one might never have imagined. Upon reading her Introduction, I sensed Andy Cohen is one who understands from experience how psychoanalysis works, and is one who has a talent for communicating her understanding in plain English. Her conception has lead to the birth of this extraordinary collection of letters from parents around the globe. These authors are moms and dads that have themselves been analysed during their training to become psychoanalysts. Cohen urges each reader to 'dream their way through these letters' that speak to each writer's experiences of failure and success in navigating the fascinating minefield that is parenthood. I am convinced that this book should be on the shelf of every prospective or present-day parent and may well lead to their own emotional and mental development, as well as that of the children". Judith L. Mitrani, PhD, FIPA, Psychoanalyst, author and novelist

"As a broadcaster and founder of 'Baby Brunch', a parenting support podcast, I engage in many enriching conversations. In nearly all these exchanges, I find that people either use their talents to help others or draw from personal experiences to do so. Andy Cohen is one such person, offering both. While countless books have been written on this subject - and I've had numerous interviews about it - never before have I felt such a deep sense of connection with stories that resonate so closely with my own. Andy's book captivated me for days. It encouraged me to approach my own parenting challenges with more care, thanks to the wisdom shared in these heartfelt letters. While I thought I knew a lot about parenting - as a stepmother of two and mother of four - this book reframed parenting for me: It reminded me that the feelings we go through are valid and surmountable, allowing us to better understand ourselves and evolve into the parents we are meant to be. The deeply personal stories from these leading international experts will engage, inspire, and ground you. It's a powerful journey that brings joy and enlightenment, and ultimately, a true rebirth for every parent". Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, Radio personality and host of the parenting podcast, Baby Brunch

Andy Cohen is a psychotherapist and candidate psychoanalyst with the South African Psychoanalytical Association. Her TEDx Talk, "A Mom Can’t Always Act Like a Grown-Up – Here’s Why", explores the unconscious forces between parent and child. She holds an MA Fine Art and is also trained as a community art counsellor at Lefika La Phodiso, an NGO providing art-based psychodynamic mental health services to at-risk communities. She lives in Johannesburg

PARENTING PSYCHOANALYSED, letters to a parent

: Cohen (A.) ed.

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