W.R. Bion as Clinician

Underpinned by rigorous close readings of his oeuvre, this book provides a comprehensive guide to the development, practice and evolution of Wilfred Bions clinical psychoanalytic work. Starting with the significance of Kant during Bions years as a student, the author traces the key influences on Bion in his psychoanalytic and personal development, progressing through Bions particularly productive pre-psychoanalytic work based on social field theory, his well-known elaboration of Kleins schizoid mechanisms known as the theory of containment, all the while with his deeply thoughtful clinical approach inspired latterly by an understanding of literary creativity. Extending this unique emphasis on Bions clinical work, rather than his theory, Hinshelwood also explores how Bions early traumatic experiences helped shape his attitudes and approach to effective clinical work. With comprehensive coverage of the key tenets of Bions work, this should be essential reading for psychoanalysts and psychotherapists in practice and in training who seek a clear guide to the practical applications of his theory.