Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Of Borderline Patients

by Otto F. Kernberg, Michael A. Selzer, Harold W. Koenigsberg

No name has been more closely associated with borderline pathology than that of world-renowned psychiatrist Otto D. Kernberg. His conceptualization of borderline personality organization and his ego psychology—object relations approach have broadened the understanding of these difficult patients and pointed the way to a more successful treatment of them. This long-awaited book, based on years of clinical research by Kernberg and his associates, is the first to present his model of psychodynamic psychotherapy with borderline patients.Using abundant clinical vignettes and transcripts, the authors take the reader through the treatment—from establishing the contract through dealing with termination—always explaining the theory that underlies the technique. They describe the phases of treatment, beginning with the most primitive and moving on to working with advanced defenses and transferences. Included are guidelines on such crucial issues as dealing with countertransference, modifying technical neutrality, and handling suicide threats. With its elegant integration of theory and practice and clear explication of treatment strategies, this important book is an essential resource for both beginning and seasoned practitioners.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Medicine

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 21, 1989

About the author

Otto Friedmann Kernberg (born 10 September 1928) is an Austrian-born American psychoanalyst and professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. He is most widely known for his psychoanalytic theories on borderline personality organization and narcissistic pathology.

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Might as well read Lacan.

I felt like a lot of the theory being presented here was kind of a power struggle of pushing a certain "knowledge" onto the patient. I'm not sure I'd agree with this technique. Might as well read Lacan.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Older manual for psychodynamic treatment (TFP) of BPD