Rachel Blass

Short course: Klein on Love

In this seminar we will examine Klein’s view of love. Counter to a common conception of Klein as the analyst who neglected this dimension, focusing instead on the person’s destructiveness, we will see how love is the cornerstone of the entire theoretical and clinical approach that she brought forth. It will also be seen that in this she follows in Freud’s footsteps and elaborates his thinking. This examination will shed light on the meaning of love according to Klein, it’s role in life and especially in the clinical situation, and how it relates to other foundational aspects of human experience, such as understanding, guilt, forgiveness, narcissism, dependence and gratitude. Reference will be made to some key (and evocative) texts by Klein and her colleague Joan Riviere, which will be made available to participants in advance. The question will be raised as to why the centrality of love to Klein’s approach has not been sufficiently acknowledged.