Psychodynamic Therapy for Personality Pathology: Treating Self and Interpersonal Functioning

Abstract

First edition. Introduction : a model of treatment targeting self and interpersonal functioning -- Personality and personality disorders within the framework of object relations theory -- Clinical psychodynamics within the framework of object relations theory : conflict, anxiety, defense, and internal object relations -- Basic tasks and elements of treatment -- The therapeutic relationship : the therapist's attitude and stance, the therapeutic alliance, transference, and countertransference -- Strategies of treatment and mechanisms of change -- Patient assessment and treatment planning -- Establishing the treatment frame -- Essential treatment contracting : behaviors, adjunctive treatments, and medication -- Identifying a focus for intervention -- Intervening I : exploratory interventions and the interpretive process -- Intervening II : transference analysis and tactics guiding the interpretive process -- Intervening III : integrating supportive and exploratory interventions -- Early, middle, and advanced phases of treatment -- Afterword.