Who is Melanie Sherman from A Shining Affliction: A Story of Harm and Healing in Psychotherapy and what is their importance?

Melanie Sherman was the psychoanalyst whom Annie threatened to kill. Although it may appear Annie did not like Melanie, she loved her desperately and wanted her affection. Annie hoped that she would be able to receive the mother's love that she so desperately wanted from Melanie. Although Annie does not see the truth about Melanie, Blumenfeld, and little Annie, she does see Melanie's true personality from the beginning. Melanie never knew or "saw" Annie. She simply made a diagnosis and then tried to fit Annie to this diagnosis. Annie felt that Melanie made promises to her and then reneged on her promise.