The Analyst's Search for Atonement

Since an analytic hour presents infinite choices, it also provides infinite possibilities for retrospective regret. The analyst's work furnishes opportunities to regret acts of commission and omission. Missteps that seem like consequences of our personal character issues are likely to evoke shame and/or guilt, which can further complicate our feelings of regret. But genuine compassion and curiosity about ourselves can facilitate finding ways to atone. Atonement can be understood as a movement toward integration of all parts of oneself, or, more globally, a movement toward the inclusion of all human beings into the human community. For the analyst, atonement can mean becoming “at one” by finding a positive expression for what we have learned from our regrets. The challenge atonement poses is to face our shortcomings, yet retain self-respect and self love.