Disorders of the Self: New Therapeutic Horizons: The Masterson Approach

by Masterson, M.D.,James F.

• ISBN13: 9780876307861
• ISBN10: 0876307861
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-10-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

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, thenapply 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.

Table of Contents

Contributors
Preface
The Self-in-Exile: A Developmental, Self, and Object Relations Approach to the Schizoid Disorder of the Self
Evolution	p. 3
Description	p. 13
Developmental Theory	p. 33
Intrapsychic Structures	p. 45
Establishing a Therapeutic Alliance	p. 69
Shorter-Term Treatment	p. 95
Intensive, Long-Term Psychotherapy	p. 123
Safety First: Approaching Treatment of the Schizoid Disorder of the Self	p. 143
Narcissistic Defenses Against a Schizoid Disorder	p. 161
Early Trauma and the Developing Self
The Influence of Early Trauma on the Developing Self	p. 181
Uncovering "Forgotten" Child Abuse in the Psychotherapy of a Borderline Disorder of the Self	p. 205
Integration of Multiple Personality Disorder in the Context of the Masterson Approach	p. 227
Season of Light/Season of Darkness: The Effects of Burying and Remembering Traumatic Sexual Abuse on the Sense of Self	p. 255
Perspectives on Treating the Narcissistic Disorder of the Self
Disavowed Narcissism: Fusion and Externalizing Defenses in the Closet Narcissistic Disorder of the Self	p. 281
Mirrors of Rage: The Devaluing Narcissistic Patient	p. 299
Neutrality Under Attack: Devaluation in the Therapeutic Relationship	p. 313
Therapeutic Management of Disappointment Reactions with the Closet Narcissistic Disorder of the Self	p. 325
Other Treatment Strategies
Group Psychotherapy and Disorders of the Self	p. 337
Couples Therapy of Patients with Disorders of the Self	p. 365
Working with the Collective Marital Self	p. 383
Antidepressants in Psychotherapy: Use and Abuse	p. 393
Three Bipolar Women: The Boundary Between Bipolar Disorders and Disorders of the Self	p. 411
Name Index	p. 427
Subject Index	p. 429
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