Narcissism

Freud organised the theory of the child's journey to adulthood around the myths of Narcissus and Oedipus. In this intelligent study, the author re-examines these myths to see if a radical reinterpretation of them will give birth to new sets of images through which psychoanalysts can contemplate the contemporary patient.

From Obstacle to Ally explores the evolution of the theory and practice of psychoanalysis through an investigation of historical examples of clinical practice. Beginning with Freud's experience of the problem of transference, this book is shaped around a series of encounters in which psychoanalysts have managed effectively to negotiate such obstacles and on occasion, convert them into allies. Judith Hughes succeeds in bringing alive the ideas, clinical struggles and evolving practices of some of the most influential psychoanalysts of the last century including Sandor Ferenczi, Anna Freud, Melanie Klein, Wilfred Bion, Betty Joseph and Heinz Kohut. Through an examination of the specific obstacles posed by particular diagnostic categories, it becomes evident that it is often when treatment fails or encounters problems that major advances in psychoanalytic practice are prompted. As well as providing an excellent introduction to the history of fundamental psychoanalytic concepts, From Obstacle to Ally offers an original approach to the study of the processes that have shaped psychoanalytic practice as we know it today and will fascinate practising psychoanalysts and psychotherapists.

The century during which psychoanalysis developed was a creative interval of transition, when hysterical and ritualistic object relations permitted the great Freudian truths to be articulated. But, according to Harold Feldman, the science of personality, given such a profound impetus by Freud and his colleagues almost a hundred years ago, has receded and faded. The XYZ of Psychoanalysis is a unique examination of the future of psychoanalysis, based on its Freudian past. Feldman proposes that we understand psychoanalysis as an organic link in the history of Freudian thought. His view of the historical context of psychoanalysis, his examination of the dominant occupational hazard, and his understanding of and ability to articulate the fundamentals of the science of the mind move his work beyond the scope of any other treatise on the subject.

Over the course of a long and distinguished career, psychologist and psychoanalyst Sidney J. Blatt has made major contributions to cognitive-developmental theory, psychoanalytic object relations theory, applied psychoanalysis, and current research in the areas of psychopathology and psychotherapy. This book presents chapters by Dr. Blatt's many colleagues and students who address the key areas in which Dr Blatt focuses his intellectual endeavours: *Personality development *Psychopathology *Issues in psychological testing and assessment *Psychotherapy and the treatment process *Applied psychoanalysis and broader cultural trends Relatedness, Self-Definition and Mental Representation explores Dr. Blatt's unique contributions within both psychoanalysis, where empirical research is often neglected, and clinical psychology, where psychoanalysis is increasingly ignored. It will be engaging reading for psychoanalysts and clinical psychologists, as well as all those concerned with psychotherapy and personality theory and development.

This book is the definitive empirical study of antisocial character pathology and its assessment through the use of the Rorschach. Drawing upon a decade of research with nearly 400 individuals in various hospitals and prisons, the authors paint an extraordinary intrapsychic picture of the personality structure and psychodynamics of these troublesome patients. Serving as both an educational tool and a reference text, this book presents Rorschach data on several different antisocial groups - conduct disordered children and adolescents, antisocial personality disordered adult males with and without schizophrenia, antisocial adult females, and male and female sexual homicide perpetrators; nomothetic (group) and idiographic (case study) data; data which have been analyzed and theoretically interpreted using both Comprehensive Systems and psychoanalytic approaches which represent the cutting edge of Rorschach theory and practice; a developmental approach in analyzing Rorschach data gathered from antisocial children, adolescents, and adults - providing striking similarities. This is the first such Rorschach database published. It serves as a valuable reference text for Rorschach users - providing a definitive empirical base, theoretical integration, and clinical understanding of individuals who create severe social problems for society.

This volume is about understanding the 'self' from a scientific perspective. The self is a well established research area in a variety of disciplines including clinical psychology, communication, developmental psychology, social psychology and sociology. This book pulls together, in one place, comprehensive and interesting descriptions of some of the most stimulating, newly emerging research programs on the self. Each chapter, by a leading authority in the field, describes a unique research program, based on solid empirical research. Contributing authors include a mix between established names and emerging researchers whose mark on the field will grow in years to come.

In this second edition of her groundbreaking book, Dr. Joan Lachkar addresses the ever-changing faces and phases of narcissism within the context of marital therapy and discusses the new developments in the treatment of marital conflict. Drawing from many different theoretical frameworks, mainly self-psychology (Kohut) and object relations (Klein), the works of D.W, Winnicott, and Kernberg are expanded to further explain why couples stay in painful, conflictual, never-ending relationships (traumatic bonding). The new chapters, case illustrations, and updated treatment sequences are invaluable to both beginning and experienced clinicians. The Narcissistic / Borderline Couple is an essential text for every marital therapist, offering an improved understanding of marital pathology within the framework of our changing world.