The Symbiotic Character

by Stephen M. Johnson

This monograph advocates the treatment of psychotherapy as a modern art form, shaped by the forms that predate it, but distinctive in its encouragement of creative self-expression. It describes modern treatment techniques as they apply to personality disorders and character neuroses.

Contemporary psychotherapy demands a distinctly 'post-modern' orientation. This is Stephen Johnson's leading premise in this third book of his series presenting a characterological-developmental approach to understanding and treating human problems.

“Dr. Johnson’s contribution is a most impressive and unusual work. It represents a ‘post-modernist’ attempt to organize and unify some of the disparate theoretical and clinical trends in current psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, infant development research, and family therapy. As the cursor of attention has begun to fall of late on the narcissistic and ‘borderline’ personality disorders, the whole field of personality and character seems to be overdue for reconsideration. This is exactly what Dr. Johnson has innovatively accomplished in this work.”
―James S. Grotstein, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of California―Los Angeles School of Medicine Training and Supervising Analyst, Los Angeles Psychoanalytic Institute

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Anne]

A terrific clinical analysis of character "styles" with a focus on the symbiotic character. Because I Am this style, it helps me to regain my balance when knocked off! Nothing like a reference on oneself! On the otherhand, don't recommend it for non-clinicians.

[Heiki Eesmaa]

Not only about the symbiotic character but also summarizes the author's theoretical synthesis.