Limerence

This book explores limerence, a complex and often misunderstood psychological state marked by intrusive thoughts, emotional dependency, and an intense longing for reciprocation. For therapists, clinicians, and curious readers alike, this is a nuanced exploration of obsessive love and the psychological complexities that shape it.

Orly Miller is a psychologist, author, and writer working at the intersection of depth psychology, psychoanalysis, and cultural thought. She writes and practices from Australia, working with individuals and couples worldwide.

Introduction Limerence in Context: A Passionate Madness 1. The First Taste of Love: Forming Attachment 2. The Beginning of Suffering: Maladaptive Developmental Attachment 3. How Do I Love Thee?: Archetypes of Limerence 4. You Make Me Feel So High: The Neurochemistry of Limerence 5. I Love You So Much It Hurts: Longing and Compulsion 6. I Can't Stop Thinking About You: Obsessive Thoughts 7. The Things I'd Like to Do with You: Daydreaming and Fantasy 8. Tell Me You Love Me: Mutual, Unexpressed and Unrequited Limerence 9. I'm Not Supposed to Love You: Cultural and Ethical Condemnation 10. Take This Longing from my Tongue: Limerence in Art, Literature, Music and Film 11. It Feels so Real: Limerence in the Digital Age 12. I'm Crazy for You: Limerence and Psychopathology 13. Please Make it Stop: Treatment and Recovery 14. How Can I Help?: Supporting People with Limerence 15. Conclusion Where Do We Go from Here?