The Kleinian Development: Part I. Freud's Clinical Development; Part II. Richard Week-By-Week; Part III. The Clinical Significance of the Work of Bion (Roland Harris Trust Library) Book

This book, derived from lectures delivered between the years 1965-78 at the Institute of Psycho-Analysis, London and the Tavistock Clinic, attempts to trace one particular line of development in psycho-analytical theory and practice derived from Freud's pioneer work. By examining his clinical method, data and theories as an evolving process, a foundation is laid for a critical examination of writings by Melanie Klein and Wilfred Bion, the central figures of The Kleinian Development.Part I is devoted to a chronological examination of Freud's major clinical papers, tracing his development from a neuro-psychological determinist to a phenomenological psychologist. The emphasis is on the clinical data and the method of its evocation, particularly as seen in the case histories. The model of the mind he evokes, not always identical with his theories and their heavy weight of preconception, is outlined in order to clarify the addenda implicit in the work of Mrs. Klein and explicit in that of Wilfred Bion.Part II utilizes a week-by-week investigation of the Narrative of a Child Analysis as the basis of a critical examination of Melanie Klein's clinical procedure. On the basis of this work, done in 1940 and written in 1957, a retrospective and prospective summary of her findings regarding mental development, psychopathology and the psycho-analytical method is undertaken. Finally the implicit addenda to Freud's model of the mind and its implications are drawn forth.Part III builds on this foundation to scrutinize Bion's total literary achievement up to 1967, from "Experiences in Groups" through "Attention and Interpretation". The gradual evolution of his theory of thinking and his amplification of the mind drawn by Freud and augmented by Melanie Klein is examined carefully for its internal consistency and its substantial contribution, distinguishing between the often idiosyncratic methods of exposition and the core of its content. Finally the model of the mind is drawn by these three authors is compared, tracing the philosophical and methodological implications of each for psychoanalytic practice, with special reference to the central concept Mechanisms of Defense.Read More