Melanie Klein’s Narrative of an Adult Analysis
Book ticketsOrganised by:
The Melanie Klein Trust
Description
‘Melanie Klein’s Narrative of an Adult Analysis’ brings to light Klein’s work with an adult patient, Mr B, which took place between the years 1934 to 1949. It is the first full account of Klein’s work with an adult patient, and provides detailed clinical evidence in support of Klein’s ideas concerning the combined parental couple, phantasies concerning the inside of the maternal body, attacks on objects using bodily products as ‘weapons’, and the guilt that follows these attacks, which may go hand in hand with a terror of retribution by damaged objects.
The work reveals much about the nature of the fundamental conflict between love and hate, which, as Klein saw it, is first experienced in connection with the breast. It shows Klein coming to understand what may drive a negative therapeutic reaction, and the dynamics of, and obstacles to, mourning. There is very moving material on the impact of the unexpected arrival of a sibling, and the way in which love can become almost entirely obscured where hatred has instead been nurtured through grievance. Love, however, as Klein’s work with Mr B shows, may in turn be liberated through the rigorous analysis of aggressive impulses and hatred.
At this webinar, Christine English will be in conversation with John Steiner, who first discussed Klein’s work with Mr B in his 2017 book, Melanie Klein’s Lectures on Technique, and Abbot Bronstein, editor of the Analyst at Work section of the International Journal of Psychoanalysis. Anne Amos, Training and Supervising Analyst of the British Psychoanalytical Society, will chair the event.
Praise for the book:
‘This is a formidable work on the source of Melanie Klein’s ideas that provides a fascinating picture of Klein as a clinician, and sheds light on many of the deepest questions raised by psychoanalysis. Aptly entitled Narrative of an Adult Analysis, this book may come to rival the Narrative of a Child Analysis as a means of understanding Klein’s work.’ (John Steiner, Training and Supervising Analyst, British Psychoanalytical Society)’
Christine English has produced a book of tremendous interest and major importance. It is also gripping to read. This book is the first and for now the only account of Melanie Klein’s day-to-day psychoanalytic treatment of an adult patient, and it is enthralling.’ (Priscilla Roth, Training and Supervising Analyst, British Psychoanalytical Society)’
Christine English has taken a hugely important step forward in Klein studies. Tapping a rich seam in the Klein archive, she shows in detail how Klein worked with an adult patient, Mr B. This rare and moving account of an adult analysis deserves to become as famous as Klein’s analysis of her child patient, Richard.’ (Jane Milton, Training and Supervising Analyst, British Psychoanalytical Society)
All registered attendees will receive a link a couple of days after the live event, which can be enjoyed for two weeks.
