In search of one’s setting

The setting is closely related to the analyst’s desire. It expresses it, while protecting the patient. To speak of the analyst’s desire is to speak of the analyst’s being: of his or her apprehension of the social situation and his or her place in this particular relationship. But the relationship between analyst and analysand, although it may be a component of the possibility for a conscious/unconscious dialogue, must not be an obstacle to the expression of unconscious contents. The author also questions the structure beneath the analyst’s desire, particularly the social understructure and the sense that a specific desire (non-sexual, but tangible) is emerging in the counter-transference.