The Language of Winnicott: A Dictionary and Guide to Understanding His Work

D. W. Winnicott has profoundly influenced contemporary psychology, psychotherapy, and psychoanalysis. His 600-plus papers offer a unique compass to the psychotherapeutic process and child development. However, Winnicott's sometimes elliptical and metaphoric use of language can make his ideas indecipherable, his writings appear simple or opaque. This new book helps us read and understand Winnicott in all of his richness. Each of his major ideas is organized into a lexicon of words and phrases which represent the major theories in his work. Each entry is a journey through his papers that clearly illuminates the breadth and depth of his concepts. The result is an invaluable guide to this clinical genius and his seminal theory.

Jan Abram is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist in private practice in London. She was appointed Director of The Squiggle Foundation for the period 1996 - 2000, and is also following the analytic training at the Institute of Psycho-Analysis, London.