"The language of the Independent tradition in British psychoanalysis, carried by Donald Winnicott, Marion Milner, Nina Coltart and many others, has always been non-dogmatic, lyrically tentative, close to the heart of the life of being an analyst. Like a deep, familiar drum the voice of Michael Parsons speaks from within that tradition. He ranges widely and deeply from clinical issues to theoretical axioms, to works of art and literature, and further afield, always remaining close to experience. Independent thinking lives on in this profound and creative work." – Christopher Bollas, psychoanalyst."The psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott noticed that a regular outcome of psychoanalytic treatment was an enhanced sense of being alive. And he came to think this ought to be an aim of psychoanalysis: to help analsands recover their own lost sense of vibrancy. In Living Psychoanalysis, Michael Parsons takes up this idea with nuance, sensitivity and rich clinical detail. He shows us how crucial it is for human life itself that we be able to celebrate life via our capacity for feeling alive." - Jonathan Lear, The University of Chicago.