De-Idealizing Relational Theory A Critique From Within

"Born as a vibrant and radical reaction to the perceived deficiencies and rigidities of classical theory, relational theory has now grown and matured to the point where it can begin to re-examine the biases inherent in the way it developed. In this unique book, some of the best relational minds engage in a self-examination of their theory, a loving self-critique designed to reveal both its limits and its potential. The book is a major contribution to our understanding of relational theory and it will be fascinating to psychoanalysts of all theoretical persuasions."-Sheldon Bach, Ph.D., Adjunct Clinical Professor, New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis

"In recent decades, relational psychoanalysis has become a prevailing international paradigm. With relational psychoanalysis reaching a maturational milestone, the Editors invited eminent Relationalists to engage in a creative, self-reflective, internal self-examination. This text offers a penetrating self-critique that goes both wide and deep. In it, many of the key thinkers in relational thinking look searchingly at relational theory's gaps, omissions, and weaknesses as well as its strengths. In so doing, relational thinking opens up to new ideas and goes well beyond defining itself vis-a-vis other approaches. Any student of the psychodynamic therapies will be enriched by the wisdom and scholarship that pervade this clinically valuable anthology."-Nancy McWilliams