Adam Phillips

Adam Phillips was born on September 19, 1954, in Cardiff, Wales. He would go on to become a prominent British psychoanalyst, essayist, and writer. Phillips is known for his work in psychoanalysis and his insightful writings on psychology, literature, and culture. Over the years, he has authored several influential books and has contributed significantly to the field of psychoanalysis, offering fresh perspectives and engaging with broad audiences beyond the traditional psychotherapeutic community.

Adam Phillips graduated from Oxford University in 1978. He studied English literature at St John's College, Oxford, and it was during this period that he developed a deep interest in psychoanalysis. His academic background in literature significantly informed his later work as a psychoanalyst and writer, allowing him to draw connections between literary analysis and psychoanalytic theory. This unique interdisciplinary approach would become a hallmark of his career.

In 1982, Adam Phillips became the Principal Child Psychotherapist at Charing Cross Hospital in London. This role marked an important phase in his career, as he was responsible for overseeing the therapeutic care of children in the hospital setting. His work with children and families in this role provided him with crucial insights into human development, which he later explored in his writings. Phillips' time at Charing Cross was instrumental in shaping his therapeutic and literary voice, leading to his reputation as a leading thinker in child psychoanalysis.

In August 1995, Adam Phillips published 'On Kissing, Tickling, and Being Bored: Psychoanalytic Essays on the Unexamined Life'. This book explores the intricacies of what we consider the mundane aspects of life and their psychoanalytic underpinnings. Phillips challenges the reader to reflect on the everyday actions and feelings that often go unnoticed yet are filled with unconscious meaning. As an engaging collection of essays, the book affirmed his position as an essayist capable of making psychoanalysis accessible and intriguing to a broader readership.

In September 1997, Adam Phillips published 'Terrors and Experts', a book that examines the role of psychoanalytic expertise and how it intersects with the fears and anxieties experienced by individuals in modern society. Through his nuanced analysis, Phillips critiques the authority claimed by psychoanalysts and questions the nature of expertise itself. By exploring these themes, the book contributes to ongoing discussions about the place of psychoanalysis in contemporary culture and its relationship to broader societal fears.

In 2006, Adam Phillips resigned from his position within the National Health Service (NHS) to focus on his writing full-time. Having spent several decades contributing to the field of psychoanalysis within clinical settings, Phillips made the decision to devote his energies to his literary career. This transition allowed him to engage more deeply with his work as an author and to reach a wider audience through his publications and public speaking. His resignation marked a new chapter in his professional life, signifying a shift from clinical practice to literary exploration.

In 2012, Adam Phillips was appointed as the chief editor of the new Penguin translations of Sigmund Freud's works. This ambitious project aimed to provide updated and accessible translations of Freud's seminal writings, introducing them to a new generation of readers. Philips' expertise in psychoanalysis and his skillful writing made him an ideal choice for this editorial role. Under his guidance, the Penguin Freud series was praised for its clarity and contemporary relevance, ensuring that Freud's contributions to psychoanalysis continued to be appreciated and studied.

On March 22, 2016, Adam Phillips published 'Unforbidden Pleasures', a book that delves into the nature of human desire, exploring the pleasures we often overlook in pursuit of more conspicuous rewards. Phillips investigates the cultural and psychological factors that shape what is perceived as pleasurable and unpleasurable, urging readers to reconsider the value of the less obvious joys in life. This work continues Phillips' exploration of psychoanalytic themes, inviting a reflection on the dynamics of pleasure and the often-unconscious influences that govern human behavior.

In 2019, Adam Phillips released 'Attention Seeking', a book that explores the human need for attention and the modes through which people seek it. Phillips examines the benefits and pitfalls associated with the pursuit of attention, questioning the underpinnings of human behavior in the context of social norms and personal desires. Through psychoanalytic lenses, he interprets how seeking attention plays a crucial role in identity formation and inter-personal relationships. This publication adds to Phillips' extensive contributions to understanding human psychology.

'On Wanting to Change', published in October 2021, is among Adam Phillips' latest books that delve into the complexities of personal growth and the motivations behind the desire to change. Phillips provides a deep dive into why individuals seek to alter their habits, emotions, and behaviors, often driven by cultural pressures and personal aspirations. He discusses the psychological concepts that influence change and the paradoxes involved in wanting to change while grappling with the resistance to it. This book extends Phillips' long-standing examination of psychoanalytic themes and human development.