Accessing the Clinical Genius of Winnicott: A Careful Rendering of Winnicott’s Twelve Most Influential Clinical papers

by Teri Quatman

Donald Winnicott, psychoanalyst and pediatrician, is viewed by many in the psychodynamic field as the “other genius” in the history of psychodynamic theory and practice, along with Freud. This book selects and explores twelve of his most infl uential clinical papers. Winnicott’s works have been highly valued in the decades since they were first published, and are still relevant today. Winnicott’s writings on the goals and techniques of psychodynamic psychotherapy have been foundational, in that he recast Freudian- and Kleinian-infl uenced thinking in the direction of the more relational schools of psychotherapy that define current 21st-century psychodynamic practice. Winnicott’s writings help us to understand the maturational processes of children, certainly. But more than that, they help us to understand how best to intervene when the enterprise of childhood leads to compromises of psychological health in later years. Yet, despite Winnicott’s influence and continuing relevance, his writings, while at some level simple, are elusive to modern readers. For one thing, he writes in the psychoanalytic genre of the 1930s-1960s, whose underlying theoretical assumptions and vocabulary are obscure in the present day and, for another, his writing often reflects primary process thinking, which is suggestive, but not declarative. In this work, Teri Quatman provides explanations and insight, in an interlocution with Winnicott’s most significant papers, exploring both his language and concepts, and enabling the clinician to emerge with a deep and reflective understanding of his thoughts, perspectives, and techniques. Engaging and accessible, Accessing the Clinical Genius of Winnicott will be of great use to anyone encountering Winnicott for the first time, particularly in psychodynamic psychotherapeutic training, and in the teaching of relational psychotherapies.

Genres: Psychoanalysis

252 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2020

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably closer to a 3.5, though I didn't feel it warranted rounding up. In this book, Quatman intertwines whole papers of Winnicott's (his text is bordered) with her own explication, paragraph by paragraph. As a "greatest hits" of Winnicott's papers, it's nice to have around (although it should be mentioned that the papers are sometimes re-sequenced by Quatman for the sake of intelligibility), but her analysis can be a bit hit-or-miss. Not in the sense of disagreeing with her takes (I didn't), but her close reading doesn't always add something novel, and in some cases she more or less repeats exactly what Winnicott has just said in the preceding paragraph. At times she helpfully rewords some confusing passages, and also emphasizes passages with important themes in his work, which might otherwise slip by unnoticed due to his idiosyncratic language. I think if you're wanting more clarification than engaging creatively with his writing (which is totally valid), then you'll get something out of this.

[Lilach Lavy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a holistic therapist with an interest in psychology, especially drawn to Winnicott's work.
This book was a pleasurable read, that gave me a very clear and comfortable leaning point to understand Winnicott's thinking. Understanding Winnicott gives me a clear sense of how to be with my clients in a safer and wiser way- so as to give them the right support for growth.
I hope i'll make time to read this again.