Characterological Transformation: The Hard Work Miracle

by Stephen M. Johnson

“[H]ighly recommended as a uniquely sensitive and intelligent interpretation of the personal dynamics of character structure and the correlating contributions of ego psychology to these dynamics.” ―Robert M. Hilton, Ph.D., Co-director, Southern California Bioenergetics Society

This book integrates object relations theory, ego psychology, and character analytic approaches to provide a new understanding of human behavior and character development. In itself, this integration is a remarkably innovative undertaking, yielding a consistent, understandable and clinically useful view of psychopathology, therapy, and health.

Johnson uses an active treatment approach that draws upon all major schools of psychotherapeutic thought, choosing techniques that serve specific purposes and outlining changes in behavioral, affective, and cognitive domains that are necessary for lasting characterological change. Focusing on character pathology resulting from disorders in attachment, the book discusses etiology, characteristic affects, behaviors and cognitions, bodily expressions of character, and therapeutic objectives and techniques.

Genres: Psychology

322 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 1985

Reviews

[Antonela Mestrovic]

It took me more than a year to read this book. It is so rich and insightful, and full of deep wisdom coming from integrating different modalities rather then sticking to just one. If I could have only one book related to psychotherapy and human development with me, I would choose this one. Highly recommended to everyone who work with people or want to understand themselves better. Some background from the field of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis might be needed to understand all parts. For example, you might want to read the book 5 personality patterns by Kessler first.