Primitive Experiences of Loss: Working with the Paranoid-Schizoid Patient

Taking as his starting point Melanie Klein's concept of the paranoid-schizoid position, and succinctly reviewing subsequent developments within the Kleinian perspective, the author formulates a distinctive and subtle argument concentrated on the topic of primitive loss. It is the author's conviction that the experience of loss has a primacy within the paranoid-schizoid position but that this has received insufficient and inadequate recognition, with significant implications for analytic technique. With this standpoint as his orienting focus, the author provides a finely-textured and penetrating discussion of such issues as projective identification, symbolization, transference and counter transference. A thoughtful and perceptive examination of theoretical issues is buttressed with substantial illustrative case material throughout. Calling for further work to be done in refining and clarifying the understanding of loss, and its intrapsychic, interpersonal and technical ramifications, the present volume represents a significant contribution and stimulus to that task

Table of Contents:
Preface , Introduction , The Contributions of Projective Identification and Symbolization , Theoretical issues , Greed, self-starvation, and the quest for safety , Idealization, devaluation, and the narcissistic stance , Vulnerability, union, and the return of the bad object , Love, hate, and the dread of impending annihilation , Loss and primitive methods of relating: difficulties in the analytic encounter , Maintenance of hope: the working-through process , Primitive Loss and the Masochistic Defence , Theoretical issues , Working with the concrete thinking of narcissism , Transference and countertransference , Grievance and the paranoid–schizoid experience , Summary and conclusions

About the Author :
Robert Waska

Review :
"This work not only provides access to important material regarding paranoid-schizoid patients, but also makes clear the ways in which psychoanalysts may better treat what may certainly be considered a challenging patient....Waska provides important treatment guidelines in which he makes it clear that one may best help paranoid-schizoid patients through the interaction of projective identification and introjection of helpful objects....Waska successfully and thoroughly provides an understanding of bothe intrapsychic nature of paranoid-schizoid patients, as well as how best to treat them. His recommendations are supported with ample case illustrations and suggestions for treatment. This work serves as an important source of information that allows analysts to underestand what may otherwise seem like a contradictory patient."--Contemporary Psychology