Herbert Rosenfeld (1910-1986) was a prominent British psychoanalyst and a follower of Melanie Klein's psychoanalytic approach. However, some scholars have suggested that Rosenfeld's later work, particularly his book "Impasse and Interpretation" (1987), represents a departure from the traditional Kleinian approach.
In "Impasse and Interpretation," Rosenfeld explores the concept of impasse in psychoanalysis, which refers to a situation where the patient and analyst become stuck in a pattern of behavior that prevents progress in therapy. Rosenfeld suggests that impasse can be overcome by the analyst through the use of interpretation, but he also acknowledges that this process can be difficult and may require the analyst to challenge their own assumptions and biases.
Some scholars have argued that Rosenfeld's focus on the analyst's role in resolving impasse represents a departure from Kleinian theory, which emphasizes the importance of the patient's internal world and the analyst's ability to interpret and understand the patient's unconscious conflicts and anxieties. In particular, Rosenfeld's emphasis on the analyst's active role in resolving impasse has been seen as a departure from the more passive role of the Kleinian analyst.
However, it is important to note that Rosenfeld continued to identify himself as a Kleinian throughout his career, and his work on impasse and interpretation can be seen as a further development of Kleinian theory rather than a rejection of it. Additionally, many Kleinian analysts have built upon Rosenfeld's ideas and incorporated them into their own practice.
In conclusion, while some scholars may view Herbert Rosenfeld's work on impasse and interpretation as a departure from traditional Kleinian theory, it is important to acknowledge that his ideas can also be seen as a development and extension of Kleinian concepts.
