The past in the present: difficulties in mourning.

This article examines the complexities of mourning from a psychodynamic perspective, drawing on the author's clinical experience. It explores how developments in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic thinking, particularly projective identification, can enhance our understanding of Freud's ideas on mourning and bereavement. The concept of destructive superego and persecuting guilt in depression is also discussed. Through real-life examples, the author illustrates the difficulties individuals face in the mourning process and the role of therapy in facilitating healing. The text highlights the impact of unresolved losses on mental health and the challenges therapists encounter when working with patients who are confronting their own mortality. It emphasizes the significance of mourning in therapy and the importance of recognizing the limitations of therapy for both therapist and client. [Extracted from the article]