ANA FREUD

Birth and Death: December 3, 1895 - October 9, 1982.

Known For: Pioneering child psychoanalysis and establishing child

therapy techniques. Developed defense mechanisms theory.
Founded the Hampstead Child Therapy Course and Clinic in London.

Background:
▪ Daughter of famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud
▪ Moved to London in 1938 after fleeing Nazi occupation in Vienna
▪ Worked closely with Melanie Klein in London to spread
psychoanalytic theory and practice
▪ Contributions and Legacy:
▪ Published first book in 1936, The Ego and the Mechanisms of
Defence, outlining her theory on defense mechanisms of ego
▪ Refined techniques of child psychoanalysis by analyzing children's
play and fantasies
▪ Argument with Melanie Klein formed basis of two schools of
psychoanalytic thought - Anna Freud's ego psychology vs Klein's
object relations
▪ Clinical work and writings fundamental in establishment of child
psychology field
▪ Her clinic pioneered training of child psychotherapists and
influenced new approaches in social work and education
▪ In summary, as Sigmund Freud's youngest daughter, Ana Freud
made seminal contributions to the development and application of
psychoanalysis for understanding and treating children, leaving a
profound impact on psychoanalysis, child psychology and
psychotherapy.