Psychotherapy Of The Disorders Of The Self

The Masterson Approach has evolved from 32 years of scientific inquiry, including four formal research projects, nine books, and 75 papers. this volume marks an important stage in a professional journey that has had many turnings. Clinical concern and theoretical introspection evoke a wish to share, which led to writing and teaching. The deepening of this need to build a continuing community of ideas has impelled Masterson to invite those who have learned from him to join me. This book represents their commitment and contribution to the Masterson Approach.

A testament to the vitality of the Masterson Approach to the study and treatment of the disorders of the self, this incisive volume documents the evolution of Masterson's theoretical and clinical work during the past five years. It is comprised of writings by a second generation of clinicians who both carry on and expand the horizons of the Masterson Approach. Disorders of the Self addresses four new areas of great clinical importance from the perspective of developmental, self, and object relations theory. First, Ralph Klein, Clinical Director of the Masterson Institute), has combined the work of Fairburn and Guntrip with the Masterson Approach to develop and updated, broader, original and clinically useful concept of the Schizoid Disorders of the Self. The force of his approach is illustrated by the focus on the schizoid dilemma and the schizoid compromise, vividly depicted with detailed clinical applications. Candace Orcutt, Senior Faculty Member in the Masterson Institute, along with a colleague, then apply the Masterson Approach to the controversial topic of early abuse - physical and/or sexual - to the developing self. Diagnosis and treatment of narcissistic pathology is the focus of section three. Chapters further refine and expand how the disorders of the self triad - self activation leads to anxiety and depression which lead to defenses - operate in both the patient's life and in the therapeutic relationship. The authors identify and illustrate critical points in treatment, detail the technical approach to the closet narcissistic personality disorder, and address the therapeutic management of devaluation and disappointment reactions along with the countertransference reactions they evoke. The volume concludes by delving into arenas beyond individual psychotherapy for disorders of the self. An innovative approach to group therapy combines the Masterson Approach with that of W. Bion, and authors examine the complexities of drug therapy and comorbidity and their interaction with psychodynamic forces. Disorders of the Self will be a vital addition to the armamentarium of any clinician who works with personality disorders. It demonstrates the continued expansion and evolution of a profound theoretical and clinical paradigm - the Masterson Approach - aimed at penetrating and healing the disorders of the self.

Contributors from the Masterson Institute introduce the fundamental concepts, theories, and treatment approaches of James F. Masterson, synthesizing the material of his 14 books and many articles. The second part is a workbook in the form of a questionnaire to enable practitioners to apply the skill

A unique exploration of how the 'self' influences psychopathology, psychotherapy, emphasizing the need to integrate self-constructs into evidence-based conceptual models.

First published in 1994. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The author reflects on his 25 years of work in the personality disorders. He reviews some of the most significant ideas be set forth and wonders out loud how they will cross over into the new millennium. Most have stood the test of time and indeed will serve as a strong foundation for the work that is to come; some have gone through a healthy evolution. A unique highlight is the inclusion of a comprehensive report of a six-year course of psychoanalytic psychotherapy with a patient who has a closet narcissistic defence against neurosis.

The Masterson Approach has evolved from 32 years of scientific inquiry, including four formal research projects, nine books, and 75 papers. this volume marks an important stage in a professional journey that has had many turnings. Clinical concern and theoretical introspection evoke a wish to share, which led to writing and teaching. The deepening of this need to build a continuing community of ideas has impelled Masterson to invite those who have learned from him to join me. This book represents their commitment and contribution to the Masterson Approach.

Many psychotherapy clients have (undiagnosed) traits within the ADHD and autistic spectrums - two constellations of the "mistuned brain" that often overlap. The essence of ADHD is emotional dysregulation, and the sufferer displays enhanced needs for egosupportive responses from others, as he or she struggles with storms of affect, especially rage and anxiety, impulsivity, deficits in executive functioning, and attentional problems. It is often a hidden core within what is otherwise perceived as borderline or emotionally unstable personality disorder. Autistic spectrum traits, which often coexist with ADHD, are similarly brain-based, associated with intense but unintegrated experience, inflexibility, and a range of efforts to cope with potentially overwhelming emotions and anxieties. The author, a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist with forty years clinical experience, presents a wide-ranging discussion of these disorders, exploring psychoanalytic, neurobiological and psycho-energetic perspectives. He describes how the classical Freudian model, combined with Kohut's self-psychology, provides a sound basis for effective therapy with clients whose self is under continual threat of disintegration.