Handbook of Dynamic Psychotherapy for Higher Level Personality Pathology

In this very accessible book, the authors offer both a cogent theoretical framework and a concise, 'in the room', clinical approach to the treatment of neurotic patients. This book combines the systematic approach of a manual with the flexibility necessary for real world treatment. Working in the framework of the authors, a therapist can make theoretically informed decisions about when, in what way, and at what level to intervene. The unique strength of this book is the integration of a dynamic conceptual framework grounded in object relations theory with clinical technique. Steven P. Roose, M.D., Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University; Acting Chief, Department of Biological Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute

This book provides an approach to understanding and treating higher level personality pathology. It describes a specific form of treatment called "dynamic psychotherapy for higher level personality pathology" (DPHP), which was designed specifically to treat the rigidity that characterizes that condition.

Offering a sophisticated introduction to a contemporary psychodynamic model of the mind and treatment, this book provides an approach to understanding and treating higher level personality pathology. It describes a specific form of treatment called "dynamic psychotherapy for higher level personality pathology" (DPHP), which was designed specifically to treat the rigidity that characterizes that condition. Based on psychodynamic object relations theory, DPHP is an outgrowth of transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) and is part of an integrated approach to psychodynamic treatment of personality pathology across the spectrum of severity—from higher level personality pathology, described in this volume, to severe personality pathology, described in a companion volume, Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality: Focusing on Object Relations. Together, they provide a comprehensive description of an object relations theory-based approach to treatment of personality disorders, embedded in an integrated model of personality.

As a guide to treatment, Handbook of Dynamic Psychotherapy for Higher Level Personality Pathology provides a clear, specific, and comprehensive description of how to practice DPHP from beginning to end, presented in jargon-free exposition using extensive clinical illustrations. The authors offer a comprehensive description of psychodynamic consultation that includes sharing the diagnostic impression, establishing treatment goals, discussing treatment options, obtaining informed consent, and establishing treatment frame. Throughout, the book emphasizes fundamental clinical principles that enable the clinician to think through clinical decisions moment-to-moment and also to develop an overall sense of the trajectory and goals of the treatment. Among the book's benefits:

• Takes a diagnosis-driven approach, presenting a clear model of both the psychopathology and its treatment;
• Explains underlying theory and basic elements of DPHP for those first learning dynamic therapy;
• Offers an integrated, innovative synthesis of contemporary psychodynamic approaches to personality pathology and psychodynamic psychotherapy;
• Describes goals, strategies, tactics, and techniques of the treatment to demonstrate its flexibility over a relatively long course of treatment;
• Provides sophisticated discussion of integrating dynamic psychotherapy with medication management and other forms of treatment.

DPHP offers a broad range of patients the opportunity...read more...