Paula Heimann

German-British psychoanalyst

Paula Heimann

Paula Heimann (née Klatzko; 2 February 1899 – 22 October 1982) was a prominent German-British psychoanalyst known for her significant contributions to the field of psychoanalysis, particularly in the areas of countertransference and object relations theory.

Early Life and Education

Paula Heimann was born in Danzig, then part of the German Empire, now Gdańsk, Poland. She pursued her medical studies at the University of Königsberg and later at the University of Berlin, where she graduated in 1927. Her interest in psychoanalysis was sparked during her medical training, leading her to undergo analysis with Theodor Reik, a prominent figure in the field.

Career in Psychoanalysis

Heimann began her psychoanalytic training at the Berlin Psychoanalytic Institute, where she was influenced by the works of Sigmund Freud and Melanie Klein. In 1933, with the rise of the Nazi regime, Heimann emigrated to London, where she continued her work and became a key member of the British Psychoanalytical Society.

Contributions to Psychoanalysis

Heimann is best known for her pioneering work on countertransference, a concept that describes the emotional reactions of the therapist towards the patient. Her 1950 paper, "On Counter-Transference," was groundbreaking, as it shifted the perception of countertransference from being seen as an obstacle to therapy to being considered a valuable tool for understanding the patient's unconscious processes.

Heimann also contributed to the development of object relations theory, which emphasizes the importance of internalized relationships with others in the development of the psyche. Her work in this area helped bridge the theories of Melanie Klein and Donald Winnicott, two other leading figures in psychoanalysis.

Later Life and Legacy

In her later years, Heimann continued to teach and supervise new generations of psychoanalysts. She was known for her rigorous approach to psychoanalytic theory and practice, as well as her ability to integrate different psychoanalytic perspectives. Heimann passed away in London in 1982, leaving behind a rich legacy of theoretical and clinical contributions that continue to influence psychoanalytic practice today.

Related Pages

• Sigmund Freud
• Melanie Klein
• Countertransference
• Object relations theory
• British Psychoanalytical Society