This article discusses theoretical and clinical issues related to work, specifically to the work of teachers and the psychic suffering related to it, based on clinical observation and group experience in occupational therapy at the São Paulo State Public Employee Hospital (HSPE-FMO). Based on the work of Christophe Dejours on psychopathology, of work as a teacher and the report of a clinical case, the present paper characterizes the problem of suffering at work related to the defense systems against such suffering, the threatening subjectivity of the workers themselves, representations and conflicts experienced in teaching, and the addictive relationship established as an unconscious strategy for psychic survival.
Work; teaching; addiction; occupational therapy