The Klein-Winnicott Dialectic

Begins with integration of Kleinian and Winnicottian theory from their contrasting, but also complementary, dialectical perspectives with some studies of Melanie Klein's psychobiography. This volume shows that Klein's theories of mourning interact with Winnicott's theories on object survival; potential and transitional space; and the true self.

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The Klein-Winnicott Dialectic: Transformative New Metapsychology and Interactive Clinical Theory brings together the theories of Melanie Klein and Donald W. Winnicott, two giants and geniuses of the British school of object relations clinical and developmental theory and psychoanalytic technique. In this book, Dr Kavaler-Adler attempts to integrate the theories of Klein and Winnicott, rather than polarising them, as has been done often in the past. This book takes the best of Klein and Winnicott for use by clinicians on an everyday basis, without having the disputes between their followers interfere with the full and rich platter of theoretical offerings they each of them provided.In addition, this book looks at the biographies of Klein and Winnicott, to show how their theories were inspired by their contrasting lives and contrasting parenting and developmental dynamics. By examining their theories in relation to their biographies, one can see why their dialectical theoretical focuses emerged, highly contrasted in their major emphasis, and yet highly complementary when applied together to clinical work. This is a very new perspective. In demonstrating this approach, rich and vivid clinical case illustrations are provided for the reader.