In this volume examining the work of Anna Freud, Rose Edgcumbe, her former student and colleague, takes a fresh look at Anna Freud's theories and techniques. All psychoanalysts, regardless of their theoretical orientation or of what age of patients they treat, will find this book pertinent to their clinical work.

With a critical eye, Edgcumbe aims to describe and examine Anna Freud's innovative and relevant work in the observation, upbringing, and care of children, as well as child psychoanalysis. She elaborates the developmental point of view for which Anna Freud became so well known; indeed, Anna Freud spent her life expanding and refining it in an attempt to understand and help individuals who suffered from both conflict and developmental disturbances. Edgcumbe considers three questions: (1) Why did Anna Freud fail to accept “developmental help”—her own innovative approach to deficiency disorders—as a legitimate part of psychoanalytic technique?