The popularization of psychology is often attributed to the work of Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. Unlike her male counterparts, the contributions of Sabina Spielrein in the realm of psychoanalysis are often overlooked.

Dr. Frank Marchese’s “Coming into Being” aims to enlighten readers on Spielrein’s achievements by bringing her legacy to life. Marchese offers an inspiring account of Spielrein’s metamorphosis from a patient at the Burghozli Clinic, a psychiatric hospital in Switzerland, to a young successful physician.
In his exploration of the history of psychoanalysis. Marchese weaves the tale of the intellectual triad composed of Spielrein, Jung, and Freud. He highlights a beautiful and resonant message: ‘nothing new can come into being without the destruction of a former condition’. It is this destruction of old patterns and beliefs that gives rise to creativity and opportunity. In doing so Spielrein was able to recover from crippling neuroses and embark on a life in which her craft was to heal others. 

Spielrein was the first woman to have written a doctoral thesis on a psychoanalytic theme, and the second female doctor elected into the “Vienna Psychoanalytic Society”. While Spielrein may often be overlooked, her legacy is not forgotten. We must carry with us her remark: “close to our desire to maintain our present condition, there lies a desire for transformation”. 

Marchese examines the history of psychoanalysis while undertaking many themes including mental illness, feminism, and the natural sciences. “Coming into Being” serves as a reminder to approach life with hope and to seize our days unafraid of relinquishing our past to grasp onto our future that lies ahead. 

You can purchase Dr. Frank Marchese’s book on Amazon. 

Image Credits:
Feature Image: Dr. Sabina Spielrein, Public Domain