Spielrein’s relationship with Jung is also rumored to have become romantic.
Her maternal grandfather and great-grandfather were rabbis who arranged Emilia’s marriage to her Jewish husband.
She became a patient of psychoanalystCarl Jungand remained at the hospital until 1905.
In 1911, Spielrein graduated from medical school and began her own psychoanalytic practice.
Spielrein moved to Vienna, Austria, in 1911 and joined the Vienna Psychoanalytic Association.
After her life was cut tragically short, her contributions to psychology were largely forgotten for many years.
Letters between Spielrein and Jung indicate intense emotional and intellectual involvement.
Spielrein, Jung and Freud
Spielrein was evidently the reason Jung initially reached out toSigmund Freud.
Jung and Freud soon became friends and intellectual confidants and Jung frequently corresponded with his colleague about Spielrein.
“She was, of course, systematically planning my seduction, which I considered inopportune.
Now she is seeking revenge.
In addition to his dialogues with Freud, Jung also wrotecase studiesfocused on Spielrein.
However, it would be wrong to suggest that this was Spielrein’s only contribution to psychology.
In addition to introducing psychoanalysis to Russia, Spielrein also influenced other thinkers of the time includingJean PiagetandMelanie Klein.
Spielrein’s full legacy may not yet be fully realized.
While she wrote thirty psychoanalytic papers in French and German, many have not yet been translated.
“The oblivion into which Spielrein has fallen is remarkable.
Her tragic death cut short a life of promise.”
