June 15, 2022 "Can a liar be psychoanalyzed?" with Rikki Ricard, MA, FIPA

Paradox of the Liar: "A man says he is lying. Is what he says true or false? If true, it is false; if false, it is true." (Footnote from O'Shaughnessy's paper). In this beautifully written, rich clinical paper, Edna O'Shaughnessy explores the question of whether or not a liar can be psychoanalyzed. She touches on the notion of the paradox inherent in the question, noting that "Psychoanalysis is founded on truthfulness, yet for a liar to be himself, he must lie in his analysis". Her conclusion is that, yes, it is possible, although challenging. O'Shaughnessy explores the confusions, turmoils, and pitfalls of undertaking such an analytic endeavor. With clinical vignettes, O'Shaughnessy takes us into the world of a habitual liar whose primary object is a liar. The use of countertransference becomes essential in understanding what is trying to be communicated through the use of falsehood and lying. The excitement, aggression, and despair of this journey for both analyst and analysis and are vividly portrayed through O'Shaughnessy's clinical material.