When Theories Touch - Steven J. Ellman

This book aims to deconstruct the different theoretical perspectives of psychoanalysis, and reconstruct these concepts in a language that is readily understood. Wherever possible this is meant not to do away with terms that are meaningful, but to attempt to clarify terms and concepts. The book comes in three sections. The first examines Freud's different theories and describes how Freud shifted his emphasis over time. The second section covers all the major post-Freudian theorists: Hartmann and Anna Freud (together in one chapter), Melanie Klein, Fairbairn, Winnicott, Sullivan, Mahler, Kohut, Kernberg, and Bion; and a chapter on the movement from classical theory to contemporary conflict theory. The last section deals with issues raised in contemporary psychoanalysis - issues as they pertain to the clinical situation, and the rationale for a theory of endogenous stimulation.