Category: Psychology/Psychoanalytic Studies. Review: Janet Malcolm's Psychoanalysis: The Impossible Profession is a fascinating exploration of the psychoanalytic profession and its limitations. In this book, Malcolm examines the history of psychoanalysis and the ways in which it has evolved over time. She also delves into the challenges faced by psychoanalysts as they try to apply their theories to real-world situations. One of the key themes of the book is the idea that psychoanalysis is an "impossible profession." Malcolm argues that psychoanalytic theory and practice are constantly evolving, making it difficult for practitioners to keep up with new developments in the field. She also notes that psychoanalysts often struggle to apply their theories to real-world situations, as patients' experiences can be complex and difficult to understand. Despite these challenges, Malcolm remains optimistic about the potential of psychoanalysis as a tool for understanding human behavior and mental health. She argues that while psychoanalytic theory may not always be accurate or complete, it has still made important contributions to our understanding of the mind and the human experience. Overall, Psychoanalysis: The Impossible Profession is an insightful and thought-provoking book that will appeal to anyone interested in psychology and psychoanalytic studies. Malcolm's writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand complex ideas and concepts. She also provides a wealth of historical context and background information on the development of psychoanalysis as a field, which adds depth and richness to her analysis. One potential downside of the book is that it can be somewhat dense at times, with some sections feeling overly technical or academic. However, this is not a major issue, and readers who are interested in the subject matter will likely find the book engaging and informative regardless. Overall, Psychoanalysis: The Impossible Profession is an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn more about psychoanalytic theory and practice. Malcolm's insights into the challenges faced by psychoanalysts are both insightful and thought-provoking, and her writing is engaging and accessible.