Restructuring Personality Disorders: A Short-term Dynamic Approach

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.


This state-of-the-art resource presents a short-term dynamic model for effectively treating personality disorders. Synthesizing many of the techniques developed by the pioneers of short-term therapy and integrating components from current research as well as the author's own extensive experience, the book presents a systemic approach that is both accessible and flexible. Clinical transcripts from patients in each of the three DSM clusters of personality disorders bring the material to life and demonstrate the intimate struggle of conducting therapy with character disturbed patients.