Review of the book

Paixão e loucura nos limites da clínica psicanalítica, by Berta Hoffmann Azevedo

Abstract

A remark by one of Berta Hoffmann Azevedo’s patients, recorded in her book Paixão e loucura nos limites da clínica psicanalítica—“I can’t believe I’ve found an analyst crazier than I am!”—aptly encapsulates the author’s approach: a form of psychoanalysis that moves beyond the rigid boundaries of classical technique to engage with the complexity and sensitivity of care. This statement reveals the author’s ability to connect with her patients, offering more than just technical listening; she provides a space where the “ineradicable madness” we all carry within us can be acknowledged. In her work, Azevedo proposes rethinking traditional psychoanalytic technique, seeking alternatives for treatment that take into account the unique nature of each patient—particularly those who challenge the boundaries of clinical practice. [...]