Harry Guntrip: A Contemporary Introduction traces Guntrip's early years, his theological and psychological studies, his formation as a psychoanalyst, and his various contributions to pre-Oedipal developmental arrest.
In this concise yet informative volume, Loray Daws takes the reader on a journey into the life and work of the important, yet often overlooked, British psychoanalyst, Harry J.S. Guntrip. Daws looks at how, as a clinical pioneer in the area of conceptualising and treating pre-Oedipal developmental arrest, Guntrip's prolific work has furthered psychoanalysis's understanding of the regressed ego and the schizoid dilemma. From his humble beginnings as a Methodist minister to his groundbreaking contributions on the theory of Object Relations, Daws provides insight into the profound impact of Guntrip's work on early relationships of the human psyche. Vast in scope and accessible in style, this volume is a much-needed introduction to the vital work of Harry Guntrip and its continued relevance in contemporary practice.
This book is an illuminating read for all practicing analysts, as well as students of psychology, psychiatry, psychiatric nursing, clinical and counseling psychology, psychoanalysis, and those specialising in both conceptual psychoanalysis and the treatment of the disorders of the self.
Table of Contents:
1. Introducing the work of Harry Guntrip Part 1: Guntrip’s ontological search for a related self and his analyses with Fairbairn and Winnicott 2. Paradise Lost and Nimrod as Organizing Childhood Narrative - Growing away and Guntrip’s otherworldly self (1901-1920) 3. The University Years, The Ipswich and Salem Pastorates (1921-1947), and the Beginning of Dream Analysis 4. In Search of a Vital Self: Part 1- Analysis with Ronald Fairbairn 5. In Search of a Vital Self: Part 2 -Analysis with Donald Winnicott Part 2: Theoretical and Clinical Guntrip 6. A Guntripian Psychoanalytic Description of the Schizoid State of Being 7. Clinical and Therapeutic Approaches to the Schizoid Dilemma 8. Guntrip and the Search for an Ontological Psychoanalysis
About the Author :
Loray Daws is a psychoanalyst and a registered clinical psychologist working in private practice in South Africa and British Columbia, Canada. He is a senior faculty member at the International Masterson Institute and a board member at the Object Relations Institute in New York, USA. He is the author of The Intimate Edges of Psychotherapy for Complex Trauma (2025), James F. Masterson: A Contemporary Introduction (2024) and Michael Eigen: A Contemporary Introduction (2022), and with Keri S. Cohen is the co-editor of Primary Process Impacts and Dreaming the Undreamable Object in the Work of Michael Eigen (2024) and Toxic Nourishment and Damaged Bonds in the Work of Michael Eigen (2024).
Review :
‘With the utmost brilliance, poetic sensitivity and care, Daws introduces the reader to Guntrip, a deeply sensitive, curious, brilliant, soulful man in search of working through his trauma of unelatedness. Daws viscerally brings out the lifetime pain of Guntrip’s schizoid existence as if you are bearing witness to it in real time. Daws portrays Guntrip’s schizoid personality structure with empathy and compassion, while bringing into focus challenges and successes Fairbairn and Winnicott faced while analyzing Guntrip. Daws, similar to Winnicott and Guntip, argues for a relational, humanistic approach to such patients, for only through this approach will these patients feel loved and cared for, thus enabling them to heal and interact in a relatable relational dyad. Drawing on Masterson, Winnicott, Fairbairn, his own theories and work with his patients, Daws succinctly introduces therapeutic approaches to treat schizoid patients.’
Keri S. Cohen, Co-editor Toxic Nourishment and Damaged Bonds in the Work of Michael Eigen, Co-editor Healing, Rebirth and the Work of Michael Eigen
‘A beautiful, moving introduction to Guntrip's work and life, at once feeling and thoughtful as was Guntrip himself. We get a sense of the co-mingling of disaster anxiety and going on being, soul contraction and rebirth that touched his work with Fairbairn and Winnicott and his own being, opening for us psychic doors we are still entering. Many thanks to Loray Daws for his appreciation of psychic possibilities.’
Michael Eigen, The Psychotic Core, Contact With the Depths, The Sensitive Self. The Psychoanalytic Mystic
‘Harry Guntrip: A Contemporary Introduction is much more than an introduction. Loray Daws weaves several themes into a compelling narrative about the nature of the schizoid dilemma. He revives insights that Guntrip gleaned from his own life experience. Daws brings alive the personalities of Fairbairn and Winnicott and how they helped Guntrip come alive emotionally through psychoanalytic treatment. This approach gives a felt sense of the inner world of the schizoid personality. Furthermore, Daws provides a meditation on the treatment of schizoid states, drawing on contemporary figures who have developed Guntrip's seminal insights. I found this a surprisingly moving discussion that highlights the significance of Guntrip's view of personal relations, which remains deeply relevant to our current world. Indeed, there are ideas here that require revisiting and extension. Daws skillfully guides the reader to a reflective reconsideration of the importance of schizoid phenomena.’
Jeffrey Eaton, Author of A Fruitful Harvest: Essays after Bion
‘Despite Sutherland’s description of Harry Guntrip as one of the “psychoanalytic immortals” I feel that Guntrip is somewhat overlooked. So, I am delighted that Dr. Loray Daws has written Harry J. S. Guntrip, A Contemporary Introduction. This book will be useful to both students and seasoned psychoanalysts. Dr. Daws covers concisely and accurately the two important analyses and gives a detailed picture of the schizoid dilemma. Having moved from Freud’s basis in biology and instincts to one of personal relations, the School of Object Relations, was criticized by some as being ‘woolly-minded’. Having met Guntrip, I cannot think of anyone less ‘woolly-minded’! Dr. Daws obviously thinks the same.
Valerie Hazell, wife of Jeremy Hazell, author of various works of Harry Guntrip
