Contemporary Object Relations in Los Angeles

In 1984 the Psychoanalytic Center of California (PCC) was established as a direct outcome of the work of Albert Mason, Wilfred Bion, and the visiting analysts who influenced the thinking and practice of receptive Los Angeles analysts of the day. Contemporary Object Relations in Los Angeles reflects the work of current PCC analysts who have carried forward the Kleinian tradition in a variety of ways. They form a tribute to Dr Albert Mason and his influence on the development of post-Kleinian and Bionian thinking in the United States.

The contributions reflect a wide range of interests and ways of exploring current psychoanalytic thought. They include a comparison of the concepts of Winnicott, Klein, and Bion; an account of the application of infant observation; a description of the gradual dismantling of a patient’s manic personality organization; detailed accounts of individual analyses: the journey from psychotherapy to a full analytic treatment; the musical aspects of communication between analyst and patient; and the history, meaning, and current perspective of interpretation in analysis. This lively collection will enhance the practice of clinicians and inspire trainees on their own clinical journey.

Jennifer Langham, PhD, FIPA, is president of The Psychoanalytic Center of California (PCC), where she is a training and supervising analyst. As a senior faculty member at PCC, she teaches courses in Kleinian theory and technique in the Core Training Program and the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program. Having come to the world of psychoanalysis from a career as a professional cellist, Dr Langham also serves as clinical consultant to the Colburn School Conservatory of Music in downtown Los Angeles. She maintains a private practice in Beverly Hills with adults, couples, and adolescents and has a specialty in treating the performing artist.