THE MASTERSON GROUP, P.C.

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
of the Personality Disorders

Descriptions of Books by James F. Masterson, M.D.

COMPARING PSYCHOANALYTIC PSYCHOTHERAPIES - Developmental, Self and Object Relations; Self Psychology; Short-Term Dynamic

As the borderline and narcissistic personality disorders have evolved to become the classic psychological disturbances of our time; so have a variety of theoretical approaches to their treatment.

In answer to the ever-increasing need to better define the similarities and differences between these methodologies, Comparing Psychoanalytic Psychotherapies makes available a dynamic and intensive conference featuring a clinical dialogue between three master psychotherapists - Drs. Masterson, Tolpin, and Sifneos. They first compare and contrast developmental, self, and object relations theory with self psychology theory, and then compare these two approaches with the short-term dynamic approach to the neuroses.

The book opens with a presentation of three detailed clinical case histories of psychotherapy of personality disorders, each followed by a vigorous discussion among the three masters of the case and how their diagnoses and treatment approaches would differ had the case been theirs.

This enlightening and stimulating exchange is followed by three in-depth workshops conducted individually by Drs. Masterson, Sifneos, and Tolpin in which they have an opportunity to elaborate on their approaches and answer numerous provocative questions from the conference audience - and from each other.

In comparing their conceptualizations of the psychopathology of the borderline and narcissistic disorders, the authors repeatedly address such vital questions as:

What are their views of differential diagnosis and how do they differ?

What types of therapeutic techniques do they use?

When, how, and why do they make a therapeutic intervention?

How do their therapeutic interventions differ?

How does therapeutic intervention bring about change?

How does the clinical picture of the neurotic with oedipal conflict differ from the personality disorders with preoedipal arrest?

The workshop discussions are followed by a concise and straightforward summation by each of the three masters of their theoretical and clinical stances.

Comparing Psychoanalytic Psychotherapies is a remarkably candid and revealing portrait of three prominent theories and their clinical ramifications. It will enhance the repertoire of any psychoanalytically oriented clinician with its lucid, well-organized presentation and its in-depth fund of knowledge provided by three of the most respected psychotherapists of our time.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

JAMES F. MASTERSON, M.D., is Dir., The Masterson Institute for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and Clinical Prof. Emeritus of Psychiatry at the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University
MARIAN TOLPIN, M.D., is a Training and Supervising Analyst, Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis, and an editor of Progress in Self Psychology.
PETER E. SIFNEOS, M.D., is Prof. of Psychiatry, Harvard Med. School.