THE MASTERSON GROUP, P.C.

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
of the Personality Disorders

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

THE EMERGING SELF - A Developmental, Self, and Object Relations Approach to the Treatment of the Closet Narcissistic Disorder of the Self

At last, this much-awaited volume sheds substantial light on one of the most difficult disorders to diagnose and treat: the closet narcissistic disorder of the self. The third of a series of disorders of the self, and the first written by Dr. Masterson since 1985, the book fills a crucial niche in his work and in the field of the personality disorders.

It not only describes the psychopathology and treatment of this disorder but, more importantly, demonstrates the key dynamic of the disorders of the self triad: self activation leading to anxiety and depression, which leads to defense. This is the central dynamic of all the disorders of the self, and its particular manifestations in the closet narcissistic personality disorder are described along with the therapeutic techniques required to identify and manage it.

This volume succeeds in clarifying a great deal of the clinical confusion surrounding the disorder, and addresses such questions as:

What does the clinical picture look like?

What is the reason for the diagnostic confusion?

How does one resolve it?

What other disorders does this disorder mimic?

How does one differentiate it from the borderline and/or schizoid disorders of the self?

What are some possible etiologic factors?

What precipitates a clinical syndrome?

What is the intrapsychic structure of this disorder, and how does it compare with other disorders?

How does one identify it?

What is the central psychodynamic?

What are the crucial defenses?

What is a mirroring interpretation of narcissistic vulnerability and why is it the intervention of choice?

What are the differences between shorter-term and intensive psychotherapy with regard to goals, indications, therapeutic techniques, and limitations?

What is projective identification, and why is it so important to countertransference reactions when dealing with these patients?

The Emerging Self offers a clear, down-to-earth, hands-on presentation of interest to all therapists, students, teachers, and practitioners. It will enable the therapist to identify what emotional issues are on center stage, understand how to deal with them, and also how to evaluate the results of his or her efforts. Beyond that, it illustrates the variations in countertransference that occur as a result of projective identification.

Above all, the volume will take its substantial place along side Psychotherapy of the Borderline Adult and The Real Self as one of the three pillars of Dr. Masterson's whole theoretical approach.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James F. Masterson, M.D., is founder and director of the Masterson Group and Masterson Institute for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in New York City. He is also the founding father of The Society of Adolescent Psychiatry and past president of its New York Chapter. He is the author of a dozen books, including The Search for the Real Self (1988), The Emerging Self (1991), and Disorders of the Self (1995). Several of his books are required reading in courses throughout the country, and many have been translated into other languages. He has also written numerous articles and papers for leading journals both here and abroad.

Dr. Masterson maintains a private practice and is Clinical Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University.