Restructuring Personality Disorders: A Short-Term Dynamic Approach

by Jeffrey J. Magnavita

Therapists working with personality-disordered clients must contend with both the complex and often treatment-refractory nature of the Axis II disorders themselves and the growing reluctance of third-party payers to assume the costs of extended treatment. Presenting a flexible, short-term dynamic model, this book shows how to conduct successful therapies with this population. The author synthesizes the work of pioneers in the field of short-term therapy and adds components from a range of other approaches, emphasizing active defense analysis and empathic affirmation of the client's core self. With step-by-step guidelines and extensive case material, the volume demonstrates how to bring about rapid and enduring changes in personality-disordered clients.

345 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 1997

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is based on psychodynamic conceptualisations of Personality Disorders. The author claims to treat these disorders with short term dynamic therapy (essentially is a number of extended sessions). He normally sees the client for 4 50minute sessions back to back with a 15 min break in the middle. I think any client regardless of diagnosed disorder or not, would find this process intimidating at best, and downright terrifying, particularly those with PDs.

He does provide transcripts of his sessions, so the reader gets a feel for his style. I think this book is good for interest purposes, but with the significant lack of evidence base for these types of therapies, I would hesitate to suggesting this is a book one should as a manual for conducting therapy.