ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the work of Rosenfeld and then that of Heimann and Joseph together, all younger colleagues of Klein. Like other Kleinians, Rosenfeld sees splitting and projective identification as central to both normal and abnormal development. Herbert Rosenfeld analyses the finer points of projective identification and distinguishes between destructive and libidinal narcissism, thick-skinned and thin-skinned variants. Thin-skinned and thick-skinned narcissism correspond broadly to the libidinal and the destructive forms, with the latter being more difficult to work with — but not impossibly so. Destructive narcissism is closely related to psychosis, with the patient making highly aggressive use of projective identification in an attempt to neutralise the vulnerable and loving aspects of himself or other people. Heimann and Joseph both became deeply interested in Klein's theories and approach. Heimann is saying that, far from being a hindrance, counter-transference, when properly used, is an essential tool of psychoanalysis.
