Elisabeth Rozetta Geleerd Loewenstein: Pioneer in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalysis
Introduction
Elisabeth Rozetta Geleerd Loewenstein (1909–1969) was a Dutch-American psychoanalyst who became renowned for her pioneering work in the psychoanalysis of children and adolescents. Her research focused on childhood psychosis, particularly schizophrenia, and she was one of the first to study borderline personality disorder in children. Geleerd made a significant impact on the field of psychoanalysis during the mid-20th century, both in the United States and abroad, with her empathetic approach to clinical work and her contributions to the understanding of childhood mental health.
Early Life and Education
Elisabeth Geleerd was born on March 20, 1909, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, to a wealthy entrepreneur and a chronically ill mother. After her mother's death, Geleerd and her siblings were placed under the care of their aunt. She pursued a medical degree at the University of Leyden, where she graduated with an MD in 1936. Geleerd later moved to Vienna to study psychoanalysis under the guidance of Anna Freud, which marked the beginning of her career in psychoanalysis.
Career and Contributions
Geleerd fled Vienna in 1939 due to the Nazi occupation, ultimately settling in the United States. She worked at Karl Menninger's Clinic in Kansas before moving to New York City, where she became an influential figure in psychoanalysis. She trained at the New York Psychoanalytic Institute and developed a strong reputation for her work on childhood schizophrenia and psychosis.
Major Contributions to Psychoanalysis
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Childhood Schizophrenia and Psychosis: Geleerd was a pioneer in studying childhood schizophrenia and psychosis, areas that were largely underexplored at the time. Her work laid the foundation for future research and treatment approaches in these areas.
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Borderline Personality Disorder in Children: She was one of the first to explore the concept of borderline personality disorder in children, highlighting the importance of understanding and diagnosing this condition at an early age.
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Criticism of the Kleinian School: Geleerd was critical of the Kleinian school of psychoanalysis, particularly their approach to treating children. She advocated for a more structured and therapeutic approach to the psychoanalysis of young children.
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Published Works: Geleerd published several important works on child analysis, including The Child Analyst at Work (1967), which provided valuable insights into the therapeutic process with children.
Notable Publications
- The Child Analyst at Work (1967)
- Child Analysis: Research, Treatment and Prophylaxis (1964)
- Some Aspects of Ego Vicissitudes in Adolescence (1961)
- Borderline States in Childhood and Adolescence (1958)
- The Psychoanalysis of a Psychotic Child (1949)
- A Contribution to the Problem of Psychoses in Childhood (1946)
Death and Legacy
Elisabeth Geleerd Loewenstein passed away on May 25, 1969, in New York City at the age of 60, following a long battle with chronic illness. Her legacy continues to influence the field of psychoanalysis, particularly in the treatment and understanding of childhood psychosis and borderline personality disorder. Geleerd’s empathetic and rigorous approach to psychoanalysis in children has left an indelible mark on the discipline.
