Changing Conceptions of Psychoanalysis The Legacy of Merton M. Gill

This outstanding memorial volume records and reassesses the contributions of Merton M. Gill (1914-1994), a principal architect of psychoanalytic theory and a principled exemplar of the modern psychoanalytic sensibility throughout the second half of the 20th century. Critical evaluations of Gill's place in psychoanalysis and a series of personal and professional reminiscences are joined to substantive reengagement of central controversies in which Gill played a key part. These controversies revolve around the "natural science" versus "hermeneutic" orientation in psychoanalysis (Holt, Eagle, Friedman); the status of psychoanalysis as a one-person and/or two-person psychology (Jacobs, Silverman); pyschoanalysis versus psychotherapy (Wallerstein, Migone, Gedo); and the meaning and use of transference (Kernberg, Wolitzky, Cooper).

Part I: Merton Gill's Place in Psychoanalysis. Wolitzky, Silverman, Gill's Influence on Psychoanalysis: An Introduction. Part II: Personal/Professional Reminiscences. Gill, Reminiscences. Wallerstein, Merton M. Gill. Holzman, Merton Gill: Teacher, Scholar, Friend. Holt, Merton Gill: A Sketch of His Life and Some Reminiscences. Friedman, A Personal View of Gill's Paradigm. Smith, Arguments with Merton. Part III: Merton Gill: Theoretician and Psychoanalyst. Hoffman, Merton M. Gill: A Study in Theory Development in Psychoanalysis. Merton M. Gill: Publications and Awards. Part IV: Current Controversies in Psychoanalysis. Holt, My Theoretical Differences with Merton Gill. Eagle, Reflections on Current Conceptions of countertransference and Gill's Hermeneutic Construal of Psychoanalysis. Friedman, Are Minds Objects or Dramas? Jacobs, The One-Person-Two-Person Controversy: A View from the Future. Silverman, Arithmetic of a One-and a Two-Person Psychology: Merton M. Gill, An Essay. Wallerstein, Merton Gill, Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis: A Personal Dialogue. Migone, A Psychoanalysis on the Chair and a Psychotherapy on the Couch: Implications of Gill's Redefinition of the Differences Between Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy. Gedo, Psychotherapy as Applied Psychoanalysis: Further Arguments vis-a-vis Merton Gill. Kernberg, The Interpretation of Transference: Merton Gill's Contribution. Wolitzky, The Conception of Transference. Cooper, The Early Interpretation of Transference: Implications for the Concept of Regression and the New/Old Object experience in Psychoanalytic Work.

Professional Practice & Development

Doris K. Silverman, David L. Wolitzky