What happens when the ego fails to form a symbol? In this episode of Acid Horizon, we're joined by Dr. Ben Morsa, a clinical psychologist and psychoanalytic thinker working at the intersection of queer theory, neurodiversity, and mental health. Together, we dive into Melanie Klein’s pivotal essay The Importance of Symbol Formation, examining how sadism, fantasy, and ego development shape our early psychic life. We explore Klein’s controversial case of “Dick” and how her analysis anticipates modern discussions of autism, while also considering the implications of her work through the lens of Deleuze and Guattari. Dr. Morsa offers critical insight into the enduring tensions between diagnosis, subjectivity, and the symbolic order—and asks whether the failure to symbolize might offer a form of resistance rather than pathology. This episode is a rich synthesis of psychoanalysis, philosophy, and the radical potentials of care.

Connect with Ben's work: www.tidepools.org

Support the podcast:

https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acidhorizon

Acid Horizon on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acidhorizonpodcast

Boycott Watkins Media: https://xenogothic.com/2025/03/17/boycott-watkins-statement/

Join The Schizoanalysis Project: https://discord.gg/4WtaXG3Qxn

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast: https://pod.link/1512615438

Merch: http://www.crit-drip.com

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast: https://pod.link/1512615438

LEPHT HAND: https://www.patreon.com/LEPHTHAND

Happy Hour at Hippel's (Adam’s blog): https://happyhourathippels.wordpress.com

Revolting Bodies (Will's Blog): https://revoltingbodies.com

Split Infinities (Craig’s Substack): https://splitinfinities.substack.com/

Music: https://sereptie.bandcamp.com/ and https://thecominginsurrection.bandcamp.com/

Melanie Klein, Symbol Formation, and Autism: A Psychoanalytic Conversation with Dr. Ben Morsa

Acid Horizon