A Therapist's Guide to the Personality Disorders: The Masterson Approach

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932462090
• ISBN13: 9781932462098
• Release Date: December 2003
• Publisher: Zeig Tucker & Theisen Inc
• Length: 187 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 0.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Summarizes Masterson's Work

This is a book worth puschasing by therapists of almost any persuasion;it summarizes the late Dr Masterson's work extending over decades,starting with Borderline disorders but later being extended to Narcissistic and then Schizoid disorders...all these being seen as basically disorders of the self,which Masterson saw somewhat differently than Kohut,the originator of the Psychology of the Self. The three clusters do not coincide with the DSMlV terminology,but cover all the personality disorders in that system.Thus the histrionic,dependent,passive-aggressive and compulsive personalities are subsumed by the Borderline disorders,characterized by clinging or distancing,with the main wish dominating their psyches being to be cared for.The Narcissistic type has several sub-types,the main wish is to seek idealizable or mirroring objects.A desire for safety with the dominent fear of manipulation and appropriation characterizes the Schizoid disorders which cover not only the DSMIV schizoid but also avoidant.paranoid personalities etc.. The appropriate interventions are confrontation with the destructive consequences of actions for the Borderline pathology,interpretation of oversensitivity on the part of Narcissistic individuals and of the conflict around closeness,the so-called schizoid dilemma, for the Schizoid.Even if the diagnosis is uncertain,or possibly a mixed picture at various levels,these interventions can be useful whenever the relevant pathology seems to be in the foreground and thus can sharpen the diagnostic differences as the responses to the interventions tend to be different for each cluster. The clinical illustrations are clearly presented,although in places one wishes for more clarity and explanations.For instance,it is not made clear as far as I could tell,what the diffenrces are between the "fused" part-units of the nacissist versus the split units in the other two types, especially since splitting is a defense mechanism in all of the self disorders. All in all, a good start to get acquainted with the work of this tireless and dedicated psychiatrist who has not received the recognition he deserves from many establishment figures.

A Therapist's Guide to the Personality Disorders: The Masterson Approach

The book arrived in excellent condition. And the text arrived earlier than initial date given. I will order additional titles with this supplier. Shelley

A gem

Therapists today have a serious problem:lack of direction. Millions of people who suffer with symptoms of personality disorders are deprived of help. Therapists today provide "talk" ,"paid pseudofriendship" and an illusion that includes waste of time money and hope. This small volume,if read seriously can make a deep difference in giving therapists understanding and direction in tratment of most patients who are in therapy today. The initial focus on diagnosis and differential diagnosis is a must.Just the understanding of the concept of abandonment depression alone is a gift to any practicing therapist.It is so common yet goes unrecognized at a high cost to those who suffer. The therapeutic approach including knowing when to use miroring vs confrontation is essential. Dr Masterson deserves a gold medal. Other contributors have my admiration for their wisdom and openess in writing this gem.