The Danger of Change

This work represents a watershed in Kleinian theory. The Author beautifully integrates traditional Kleinian concepts, particularly those of the paranoid-schizoid and depressive positions, with the occurrence of infantile and childhood trauma and / or deprivations. His clinical examples are extraordinarily convincing. All mental health workers will greatly benefit from reading this book
James Grotstein
Confusing clinical standoffs, loyalty to self-destruction and abrupt terminations are challenging and under-examined problems for the modern psychoanalytic practitioner. The Danger of Change is a timely book that addresses the so-called resistant patient so many clinicians are familiar with.
Robert Waska blends theory based on Melanie Klein's classical stance with the more contemporary Freudian/Kleinian school, to demonstrate how to understand patients that are resistant to progress. Divided into four sections, this book covers.
- Reluctant Patients and the Fight Against Change: Caught Between the Paranoid and Depressive World
- Greed and the Dangers of Change
- Interruptions to the Process of Change: Loss, Envy, and the Death Instinct
- Working Toward Change in the Face of Overwhelming Odds
Extensive and detailed clinical material is used to bring clarity to subjects including symbolism, conflict resolution, projective identification, the depressive and paranoid positions, change and trust.
"The Danger of Change" brings hope and clarity to cases involving patients who experience progress as a threat to their emotional wellbeing. It will be of great interest to all practicing psychoanalysts, as well as those studying psychoanalytic theory and practice.