Melitta Schmideberg

Austrian-British psychoanalyst

Melitta Schmideberg-Klein

Melitta Schmideberg (1904–1983) was an Austrian-British psychoanalyst known for her work in child psychiatry and her contributions to the field of psychotherapy. She was the daughter of the renowned psychoanalyst Melanie Klein and was involved in the early development of psychoanalysis in the 20th century.

Early Life and Education

Melitta Schmideberg was born in Vienna, Austria in 1904. She was the daughter of Melanie Klein, a pioneering figure in psychoanalysis, and Arthur Klein, a chemical engineer. Growing up in a family deeply involved in the psychoanalytic movement, Schmideberg was exposed to the theories and practices of psychoanalysis from an early age.

Schmideberg pursued her education in medicine and psychiatry, eventually earning her medical degree. Her early exposure to psychoanalysis and her formal education laid the foundation for her future career in the field.

Career

Schmideberg began her career in psychiatry and psychoanalysis in the 1920s. She trained under several prominent psychoanalysts, including her mother, Melanie Klein. However, Schmideberg's relationship with her mother was complex and often strained, leading to professional disagreements and personal conflicts.

In the 1930s, Schmideberg moved to London, where she became involved with the British Psychoanalytical Society. She worked extensively in the field of child psychiatry, focusing on the treatment of children with emotional and behavioral disorders. Her work emphasized the importance of understanding the child's environment and family dynamics in the therapeutic process.

Contributions to Psychoanalysis

Schmideberg made significant contributions to the field of psychoanalysis, particularly in the area of child psychiatry. She was known for her critical stance on some of the prevailing theories of her time, including those of her mother, Melanie Klein. Schmideberg advocated for a more integrative approach to psychoanalysis, incorporating insights from other disciplines such as sociology and anthropology.

Her work often focused on the practical applications of psychoanalytic theory in clinical settings, and she was a proponent of using psychoanalysis to address social issues and improve mental health care.

Personal Life

Melitta Schmideberg married Walter Schmideberg, a fellow psychoanalyst, and the couple had one child. Her personal life was marked by her complex relationship with her mother, which influenced both her personal and professional life.

Later Years and Legacy

In her later years, Schmideberg continued to work in psychoanalysis and child psychiatry, contributing to various publications and participating in professional organizations. She passed away in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of critical thought and innovation in the field of psychoanalysis.

Schmideberg's work remains influential in the fields of child psychiatry and psychoanalysis, and she is remembered for her contributions to understanding the psychological development of children and the role of family dynamics in mental health.

Related Pages

• Melanie Klein
• Psychoanalysis
• Child psychiatry
• British Psychoanalytical Society