Abstract

Many psychoanalysts today are bringing their analytic perspective and clinical skills into contexts far beyond the traditional office setting; some even take psychoanalysis beyond strictly defined therapeutic settings. The articles in this special issue illustrate the range of concerns and types of intervention that this kind of work can entail when engaging with trauma. In this introductory article, the authors provide a rationale for expanding analytic identity and mission, a brief history of applied psycho- analysis with trauma, the contemporary story, and the challenges faced in doing this work. Next, the papers in the present issue are introduced. The authors conclude by identifying some of the reasons why our analytic identity should be expanded.