On Reliability

This book explores the foundational concept of reliability in Winnicott's maturational practice through ten insightful essays on key topics of Winnicottian psychoanalysis.

Covering essential facets of Winnicott's work such as illusion, survival of the analyst, aggression, interpretation, object-use, introjection and incorporation, and the therapeutic application of the analyst's failures, the author highlights the implications of these novel theoretical and clinical perspectives that revolutionized the field of psychoanalysis. She draws on them to revisit the history of this discipline (the relationship between Freud and Ferenczi) and analyse unsettling contemporary phenomena. She also clarifies Winnicott's peculiar vocabulary, situates his ideas in relation to traditional psychoanalysis, and highlights the practical implications for clinical work with psychotic patients—borderline and schizoid.

With a deep understanding of Winnicott's work and an ability to relate it to contemporary analytic practice and everyday life, On Reliability: Exploring Winnicott's Domain is key reading for psychoanalysts and psychoanalyst psychotherapists.