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Twenty-nine years since the first edition was released, Frank Summers has renewed his lucid and thorough clarification of the various object relations theories to demonstrate their evolution and continued significance for therapeutic practice.

A detailed critical account is given of major object relations theorists such as Fairbairn, Klein, Winnicott, Kernberg and Kohut, and new material devoted to the emergence and development of relational psychoanalysis has been added. The ideas and assumptions of each theory relative to metapsychology, psychopathology and treatment are expounded, alongside a critical evaluation of the strengths and limitations of each approach. With extensive use of historic case material, Summers shows how each object relations theory yields specific clinical approaches to a variety of syndromes, and how these approaches entail specific modifications in clinical technique.

This volume will be essential reading for all analysts, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers who wish to familiarise themselves with object relations theories in general, sharpen their understanding of the work of specific object relations theorists, or enhance their ability to employ these theories in their clinical work.