Psychological Approaches to Loss Mourning, Melancholia and Couples [Paperback]

Psychoanalytic Approaches to Loss: Mourning, Melancholia and Couplesapplies psychoanalytic ideas to the clinically complex issue of loss in couples and families and outlines a new model for the treatment of associated unresolved grief. In line with contemporary approaches to couple and family psychoanalysis, this integrated object relations and link theory model provides a clear framework and approach for assessing and treating this clinical presentation.

The book brings together contributions from internationally known and respected clinicians and authors who focus on loss, including repeated pregnancy loss, the loss of a child or parent and the loss of a relationship itself. These psychoanalytic couple therapists take the reader inside their consulting rooms, enabling observation of their approaches to the treatment of couples experiencing loss and associated unresolved grief.

Psychoanalytic Approaches to Loss: Mourning, Melancholia and Coupleswill make an important contribution to the literature on grief and mourning and the application of psychoanalytic thinking to couples presenting with difficulties linked to unresolved grief, following loss. It represents an essential resource to psychotherapists, counsellors, family therapists, mental health professionals and many others supporting those experiencing loss.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Contributors

Preface David Scharff

Introduction Timothy Keogh

SECTION I Theoretical understandings and clinical approaches to loss

Chapter One Timothy Keogh

Psychoanalytic understanding of loss and its relevance to couples and families

Chapter Two Elizabeth Palacios

Link Theory and Object Relations Theory: An enriched approach to working with melancholic couples