In search of the poetic analyst.

This article introduces and suggests characteristics of the poetic analyst, as distinct from the traditional "scientific analyst." Using the writings of poets Wallace Stevens and Donald Hall, as well as writings of psychoanalysts Arieti Silvano, Thomas Ogden, Roy Schaefer, Donald Spence, and Hans Loewald, it explores the craft of the poet and demonstrates how the process of writing and reading poetry informs the process of doing psychoanalysis. It also touches upon the essential roles of imagination, intuition, and intersubjectivity in a poetic analysis, as well as how the poetic perspective builds upon narrative theory and how finding the right words in an interpretation or interaction leads to moments of transforming truth. Briefcase examples and vignettes are offered along the way to illustrate important ideas.