The Legacy and Promise of Hans Loewald

"Those who consider Hans Loewald to have been one of the icons of the contemporary psychoanalytic world will be eager to get their hands on each of these thoughtful new books. The editors have put together rich and nuanced contributions by many of our most cherished contemporary psychoanalytic writers. This volume covers a multitude of perspectives, such as the intellectual history and evolution of Loewald’s work, writers with whom he exchanged bold and far-reaching conversations, his well-known philosophical depth, and ardent approach to clinical and developmental issues."

Gerald Fogel, M.D., Founding Member and Former Director of the Oregon Psychoanalytic Institute; Author, The Work of Hans Loewald: An Introduction and Commentary

"This volume is explicitly intended to correct a surprising lack of emphasis on Hans Loewald’s groundbreaking contributions to psychoanalytic practice and theory. Given how much ground ego psychology has lost to relational, British object relations, and intersubjective theories in our literature and professional conferences, many who trained or worked in New Haven are startled at what little credit is given to Loewald’s contributions. It is as though Loewald’s emphasis on internalization as well as the relational aspects of therapeutic action were not major steps in this evolution.

This book seeks to redress this gap while expanding on Loewald’s ideas. Each chapter is written by an experienced analyst with clear familiarity and appreciation for Loewald’s attempt at what a more self-promoting individual would have proclaimed a paradigmatic revolution.

Those interested in the history of psychoanalysis in the United States will find the early chapters fascinating. Carlson’s description of Loewald’s entry into the Western New England Psychoanalytic Institute and interaction with David Rapaport is illuminating, in particular, his contribution to Roy Schafer evolving beyond the ideas of Rapaport, his mentor.

Equally important was Loewald’s interest in children and human development. The chapters on developmental issues and phenomena bring this often-unappreciated dimension of Loewald into view.

Finally, Loewald’s longstanding interest in philosophy and the work of Heidegger highlight his impressive intellect and wish to keep psychoanalysis situated in the humanities and its focus on mind.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the development of psychoanalytic thought as well as those whose interest lies more narrowly with therapeutic action. Several of its chapters should be included in any course on the historical evolution of psychoanalysis."

Alan Sugarman, Ph.D., Training and Supervising Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychoanalyst; Former and Inaugural Head, San Diego Psychoanalytic Center, Department of Psychoanalytic Education, APsA

"These books shows why so many people see Hans Loewald as the unmatched innovator in Freudian psychoanalysis and the most profound extender of its possibilities. Loewald brings out a whole new dimension of the Freudian mind. If you are disappointed that the Freudian discovery seems to miss the hopeful vibrance of human life, you will be amazed to see what Loewald draws from the tradition.

If you’re a clinician whose old terms seem a little stiff and mechanical, your professional adventure will be refreshed when you see those terms spring to life. Loewald worked quietly without proselytizing, but his writing and teaching have kindled wide enthusiasm, and a Hans W. Loewald Center has formed, from which scholars and practitioners will explore applications of Loewald’s outlook to the nature of mind and mankind, the workings of treatment and the more expansive use of theory.

Experts here discuss the philosophical grounding that silently underlies Loewald’s thinking about, for example, the mental scrambling of past, present, and future and the role of 'futurity' in all present experience. Other topics include the history of his reception in the U.S.A,, and the impact on clinical work, adolescence, a Loewaldian approach to gender, mourning, and finally, an obituary by a close colleague and friend.

This book, together with its companion, The Emerging Tradition of Hans Loewald, is a treasure trove for Loewaldians, and a prospectus for those who have wondered what all the fuss is about. It announces a new era of innovation that might, indeed, go far to secure a future for psychoanalysis."

Lawrence Friedman, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Weill-Cornell College of Medicine; Psychoanalytic Association of New York

"Loewald writes poetically: 'We would say that the patient instead of having a past, is his past. He does not distinguish himself as a rememberer from the content of his memory.'

This wonderful book conveys how the language of Loewald speaks to us profoundly, enlightens us, helps us clinically and theoretically, and conveys also that psychoanalysis may be approached in many different ways. Loewald has engaged Freud in such a complex fashion that we too become deeply involved with his investigation. I believe that everyone in the psychoanalytic field is looking towards the future and can benefit from this exciting, new encounter with Loewald."

Haydee Faimberg, M.D., Training and Supervising Analyst, Paris Psychoanalytical Society (SPP); Author of The Telescoping of Generations (2005); winner of the Sigourney Award for Outstanding Achievement (2013)