Symbol Formation and Transformation in Theory and in Practice1

Studied psychology at the University of São Paulo, then attended the Institut International de Recherche, Education et Dévelopment in Paris, and the Institute of Child Health at the University of London. He trained as a psychoanalyst in the British Psychoanalytical Society. On his return to Brazil he played an active part in teaching, became a training analyst, and held important roles in the São Paulo Psychoanalytic Society. Barros also played a significant part in the International Psychoanalytical Association, where he was a member and chaired a number of committees. In 1999 he was the recipient of the Sigourney Award, which recognizes significant contributions to the field of psychoanalysis. Through his work as author, publisher, and translator, Barros played a vital role in making the work of Klein and her followers known in South America. At the same time Barros played a prominent part in the International Journal of Psychoanalysis.