Psychodynamic therapy for personality pathology : treating self and interpersonal functioning

Includes bibliographical references and index.

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.

Deftly combining contemporary theory with clinical practice, Psychodynamic Therapy for Personality Pathology: Treating Self and Interpersonal Functioning is an invaluable resource for any clinician seeking a coherent model of personality functioning and pathology, classification, assessment, and treatment. This insightful guide introduces Transference-Focused Psychotherapy-Extended (TFP-E), a specialized but accessible approach for any clinician interested in the skillful treatment of personality disorders.

Compatible with the DSM-5 Section III Alternative Model for Personality Disorders-and elaborating on that approach, this volume offers clinicians at all levels of experience an accessible framework to guide evaluation and treatment of personality disorders in a broad variety of clinical and research settings.

In this book, readers will find: A coherent model of personality functioning and disorders based in psychodynamic object relations theory A clinically near approach to the classification of personality disorders, coupled with a comprehensive approach to assessment An integrated treatment model based on general clinical principles that apply across the spectrum of personality disorders An understanding of specific modifications of technique that tailor intervention to the individual patient's personality pathology Descriptions of specific psychodynamic techniques that can be exported to shorter-term treatments and acute clinical settings

Patient assessment and basic psychodynamic techniques are described in up-to-date, jargon-free terms and richly supported by numerous clinical vignettes, as well as online videos demonstrating interventions. At the end of each chapter, readers will find a summary of key clinical concepts, making this book both a quick reference tool as well as a springboard for continued learning.

Clinicians looking for an innovative, trustworthy guide to understanding and treating personality pathology that combines contemporary theory with clinical practice need look no further than Psychodynamic Therapy for Personality Pathology: Treating Self and Interpersonal Functioning.