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Psychoanalytic Diagnosis: Understanding Personality Structure in the Clinical Process
Books: Text Books: Data Structures: Item 8
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Psychoanalytic Diagnosis: Understanding Personality Structure in the Clinical Processby Nancy McWilliams
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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful: AN Important Addition To The Psychological Literature, August 1, 2001 Reviewer:disco75 "disco75" (State College, PA United States) - This book offers a welcome and much needed alternative to the dogma-bound DSM used in psychiatry and psychology. It gives a theory-driven alternative that is elegant and can be applied to virtually any of the interpersonal and emotional problems mental health practitioners treat. McWilliams' use of a continuum of characterology, ranging from flexible to symptomatic to persistent to severe makes intuitive sense. The categories she describes will be familiar to anyone with a clinical background and again are resonant with common experience. Two concerns: her use of "Borderline" is inconsistent throughout the book, used at times to denote a range between neurotic and psychotic and other times as a type, as in BPD. She inaccurately claims that the DSM uses BPD as a degree rather than type, when in fact it one of the several "clusters" of personality disorders, each distinct in presentation. My suggestion is to go with her psychological approach and eliminate the vague word "Borderline" altogether. Replace it with characterological and take Vaillant's advice to forget the "kitchen sink" BPD. The other concern regards the Dissociative type of pathology. McWilliams ignores her own elegant heuristic when presenting these difficulties. She loses track of the neurotic-characterological-psychotic spectrum in which this type of pathology can present. A close reading of this section of the book suggests revisions for the next edition, which I hope will be forthcoming, as this is a wonderful text to use with students learning about so-called abnormal psychology.
Product Review
"Books by Nancy McWilliams used in unison make the best psychodynamic resources I have yet encountered in more than 60 years in the field."--Robert C. Lane, PhD, Department of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University
"The aim of Nancy McWilliams's excellent (and I believe essential) book is twofold: first, to present a psychoanalytically oriented view of individual differences in personality structure and then, secondly, to show how these differences can be clinically and therapeutically useful.Stylistically, the writing is clear and simple and jargon is, for the most part, avoided. The case examples and anecdotes, especially those illustrating the different personality types, are well-chosen and illuminating." --Scott Miller, Ph.D. in New Jersey Psychologist
"A successful attempt to bring together the many strands of contemporary psychoanalytic investigation of the nature and psychotherapeutic treatment of character pathology. Readable and informative, this book moves easily from one theoretical frame to another according to the usefulness of each frame for understanding a specific aspect of the character pathology.The result is a book that should be helpful to the psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapist of personality disorders as well as to the clinician in carrying out the differential diagnosis of these conditions.The thoughtful references, at crucial points, to literature that permits the reader to deepen his or her understanding in this field enriches and broadens the perspective opened by this excellent primer." --Otto F. Kernberg, M.D.
"Comprehensible and readable--lends itself to graduate studies." --Cathleen Adams, Ph.D., New School for Social Research, Graduate Psychology
"This is a clear, superbly written text. The author consistently develops the treatment implications of diagnostic statements." --Virginia Brabender, Ph.D., ABPP-Cl
"This book is so well written, and with such subtlety, sensitivity, and clarity, it gave me goosebumps to read it." --Garry Walls, Ph.D., Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago IL; Course: Psychopathology I
"Psychoanalytic Diagnosis is a highly readable approach to character pathology that combines theoretical sophistication with clinical wisdom. Nancy Williams is an experienced, empathic, and intelligent therapist who succeeds in making clinical material come alive through her perceptiveness and her skill in writing. It isn't often that diagnosis is linked in a meaningful way to treatment, and McWilliams' schema allows this to happen. In addition, she shows an appreciation of all of the approaches to psychoanalytic theory without succumbing to a doctrinaire formulation. The integration that is achieved is an accomplishment in its own right, and students at all levels of training should benefit from this lucid presentation."
--George Stricker, Ph.D., Distinguished research Professor, Adelphi University
"Finally, a current, lucid, and comprehensive psychoanalytic text on psychology. It takes into account all of the most recent developments in psychoanalytic thinking. It is an ideal text for serious students of psychoanalytic approaches to psychopathology." --Jonathan H. Slavin, Ph.D., Director, Counseling Center, Tufts University
"A superb, highly readable work on the understanding of character patterns in clinical practice.PSYCHOANALYTIC DIAGNOSIS will be of immense value to all students undertaking training in the psychodynamic tradition. Because this book is so broadly integrative in scope and so rich in clinical understanding, it will be of great interest to students and practitioners of other theoretical persuasions as well." --George E. Atwood, Ph.D.
"For the students of therapy, for the young practitioner, for those interested in a diagnostic model for the initial stage of analytic therapy, I recommend this book. The prose is lucid, lively, and very readable. The author demonstrates refreshing candor about therapeutic work, empathy toward patients, as well as invaluable knowledge and insights gleaned from the clinical setting. McWilliams writes about complex constructs in psychoanalytic theory in a clear and comprehensive way." --Doris K. Silverman, Ph.D.
"This is diagnosis, not as labeling, but as making distinctions with consequences for treatment.This book sensitizes the therapist to differences that make a difference, and provides a conceptual bridge for using psychoanalytic knowledge to greatly increase the effectiveness even of brief psychotherapy, as well as longer-term treatments." --Bertram P. Karon, Ph.D.
"There has been a great need for a comprehensive book to address the relationships between character and therapy. McWilliams not only succeeds in writing a scholarly text, but brings each character type to life with clinical vignettes which make this a real page-turner. It offers a foundation to the beginner, and the more experienced psychotherapist will come away with a deeper understanding of people and the therapeutic process. I think it is destined to become a classic in psychotherapy literature." --Jean Ciardiello, Ed.D.
"The aim of Nancy McWilliams's excellent (and I believe essential) book is twofold: first, to present a psychoanalytically oriented view of individual differences in personality structure and then, secondly, to show how these differences can be clinically and therapeutically useful.Stylistically, the writing is clear and simple and jargon is, for the most part, avoided. The case examples and anecdotes, especially those illustrating the different personality types, are well-chosen and illuminating." --Scott Miller, Ph.D. in New Jersey Psychologist
"A successful attempt to bring together the many strands of contemporary psychoanalytic investigation of the nature and psychotherapeutic treatment of character pathology. Readable and informative, this book moves easily from one theoretical frame to another according to the usefulness of each frame for understanding a specific aspect of the character pathology.The result is a book that should be helpful to the psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapist of personality disorders as well as to the clinician in carrying out the differential diagnosis of these conditions.The thoughtful references, at crucial points, to literature that permits the reader to deepen his or her understanding in this field enriches and broadens the perspective opened by this excellent primer." --Otto F. Kernberg, M.D.
"Comprehensible and readable--lends itself to graduate studies." --Cathleen Adams, Ph.D., New School for Social Research, Graduate Psychology
"This is a clear, superbly written text. The author consistently develops the treatment implications of diagnostic statements." --Virginia Brabender, Ph.D., ABPP-Cl
"This book is so well written, and with such subtlety, sensitivity, and clarity, it gave me goosebumps to read it." --Garry Walls, Ph.D., Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago IL; Course: Psychopathology I
"Psychoanalytic Diagnosis is a highly readable approach to character pathology that combines theoretical sophistication with clinical wisdom. Nancy Williams is an experienced, empathic, and intelligent therapist who succeeds in making clinical material come alive through her perceptiveness and her skill in writing. It isn't often that diagnosis is linked in a meaningful way to treatment, and McWilliams' schema allows this to happen. In addition, she shows an appreciation of all of the approaches to psychoanalytic theory without succumbing to a doctrinaire formulation. The integration that is achieved is an accomplishment in its own right, and students at all levels of training should benefit from this lucid presentation."
--George Stricker, Ph.D., Distinguished research Professor, Adelphi University
"Finally, a current, lucid, and comprehensive psychoanalytic text on psychology. It takes into account all of the most recent developments in psychoanalytic thinking. It is an ideal text for serious students of psychoanalytic approaches to psychopathology." --Jonathan H. Slavin, Ph.D., Director, Counseling Center, Tufts University
"A superb, highly readable work on the understanding of character patterns in clinical practice.PSYCHOANALYTIC DIAGNOSIS will be of immense value to all students undertaking training in the psychodynamic tradition. Because this book is so broadly integrative in scope and so rich in clinical understanding, it will be of great interest to students and practitioners of other theoretical persuasions as well." --George E. Atwood, Ph.D.
"For the students of therapy, for the young practitioner, for those interested in a diagnostic model for the initial stage of analytic therapy, I recommend this book. The prose is lucid, lively, and very readable. The author demonstrates refreshing candor about therapeutic work, empathy toward patients, as well as invaluable knowledge and insights gleaned from the clinical setting. McWilliams writes about complex constructs in psychoanalytic theory in a clear and comprehensive way." --Doris K. Silverman, Ph.D.
"This is diagnosis, not as labeling, but as making distinctions with consequences for treatment.This book sensitizes the therapist to differences that make a difference, and provides a conceptual bridge for using psychoanalytic knowledge to greatly increase the effectiveness even of brief psychotherapy, as well as longer-term treatments." --Bertram P. Karon, Ph.D.
"There has been a great need for a comprehensive book to address the relationships between character and therapy. McWilliams not only succeeds in writing a scholarly text, but brings each character type to life with clinical vignettes which make this a real page-turner. It offers a foundation to the beginner, and the more experienced psychotherapist will come away with a deeper understanding of people and the therapeutic process. I think it is destined to become a classic in psychotherapy literature." --Jean Ciardiello, Ed.D.
"a much needed text whichwill benefit both clinicians and psychotherapists in training.Considering the wealth of clinical material and wisdom found in this book, I think it is well worth the price. It is of great topical interest, and I highly recommend it to all residents and mental-health professionals involved in dynamic psychotherapy." --Canadian journal of Psychiatry
"If a 'charming textbook' seems like an oxymoron, then welcome to Nancy McWilliams's Psychoanalytic Diagnosis. Her book is just such a wonder.McWilliams has succeeded in producing a book for initial learning that will remain on her readers' desks as a frequently thumbed manual." --Psychoanalytic Books
"Thanks to McWilliams's excellent book, those of us who teach or supervise can at last offer our students and supervisees a comprehensive, exceptionally well-organized text on diagnosis, grounded in evolving psychoanalytic theory and focused on linking diagnosis to the appropriate therapeutic response.Since reading Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, I have found myself using it as a teaching tool and reference when diagnostic questions arise that have implications for therapeutic interventions." --Contemporary Psychology
"this text serves as a good introduction to the field of psychodynamic therapy and conceptualization." --American journal of Psychotherapy
"In her sweeping, comprehensive work about a psychoanalytic perspectives on diagnosis, Dr. McWilliams has written a book which could easily become classic as a psychoanalytic primer for students in the fieldThis book is worthy of a wide readership." --Clinical Social Work Journal
"If a 'charming textbook' seems like an oxymoron, then welcome to Nancy McWilliams's Psychoanalytic Diagnosis. Her book is just such a wonder.McWilliams has succeeded in producing a book for initial learning that will remain on her readers' desks as a frequently thumbed manual." --Psychoanalytic Books
"Thanks to McWilliams's excellent book, those of us who teach or supervise can at last offer our students and supervisees a comprehensive, exceptionally well-organized text on diagnosis, grounded in evolving psychoanalytic theory and focused on linking diagnosis to the appropriate therapeutic response.Since reading Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, I have found myself using it as a teaching tool and reference when diagnostic questions arise that have implications for therapeutic interventions." --Contemporary Psychology
"this text serves as a good introduction to the field of psychodynamic therapy and conceptualization." --American journal of Psychotherapy
"In her sweeping, comprehensive work about a psychoanalytic perspectives on diagnosis, Dr. McWilliams has written a book which could easily become classic as a psychoanalytic primer for students in the fieldThis book is worthy of a wide readership." --Clinical Social Work Journal
Product Review
"Books by Nancy McWilliams used in unison make the best psychodynamic resources I have yet encountered in more than 60 years in the field."--Robert C. Lane, PhD, Department of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University
"The aim of Nancy McWilliams's excellent (and I believe essential) book is twofold: first, to present a psychoanalytically oriented view of individual differences in personality structure and then, secondly, to show how these differences can be clinically and therapeutically useful.Stylistically, the writing is clear and simple and jargon is, for the most part, avoided. The case examples and anecdotes, especially those illustrating the different personality types, are well-chosen and illuminating." --Scott Miller, Ph.D. in New Jersey Psychologist
"A successful attempt to bring together the many strands of contemporary psychoanalytic investigation of the nature and psychotherapeutic treatment of character pathology. Readable and informative, this book moves easily from one theoretical frame to another according to the usefulness of each frame for understanding a specific aspect of the character pathology.The result is a book that should be helpful to the psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapist of personality disorders as well as to the clinician in carrying out the differential diagnosis of these conditions.The thoughtful references, at crucial points, to literature that permits the reader to deepen his or her understanding in this field enriches and broadens the perspective opened by this excellent primer." --Otto F. Kernberg, M.D.
"Comprehensible and readable--lends itself to graduate studies." --Cathleen Adams, Ph.D., New School for Social Research, Graduate Psychology
"This is a clear, superbly written text. The author consistently develops the treatment implications of diagnostic statements." --Virginia Brabender, Ph.D., ABPP-Cl
"This book is so well written, and with such subtlety, sensitivity, and clarity, it gave me goosebumps to read it." --Garry Walls, Ph.D., Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago IL; Course: Psychopathology I
"Psychoanalytic Diagnosis is a highly readable approach to character pathology that combines theoretical sophistication with clinical wisdom. Nancy Williams is an experienced, empathic, and intelligent therapist who succeeds in making clinical material come alive through her perceptiveness and her skill in writing. It isn't often that diagnosis is linked in a meaningful way to treatment, and McWilliams' schema allows this to happen. In addition, she shows an appreciation of all of the approaches to psychoanalytic theory without succumbing to a doctrinaire formulation. The integration that is achieved is an accomplishment in its own right, and students at all levels of training should benefit from this lucid presentation."
--George Stricker, Ph.D., Distinguished research Professor, Adelphi University
"Finally, a current, lucid, and comprehensive psychoanalytic text on psychology. It takes into account all of the most recent developments in psychoanalytic thinking. It is an ideal text for serious students of psychoanalytic approaches to psychopathology." --Jonathan H. Slavin, Ph.D., Director, Counseling Center, Tufts University
"A superb, highly readable work on the understanding of character patterns in clinical practice.PSYCHOANALYTIC DIAGNOSIS will be of immense value to all students undertaking training in the psychodynamic tradition. Because this book is so broadly integrative in scope and so rich in clinical understanding, it will be of great interest to students and practitioners of other theoretical persuasions as well." --George E. Atwood, Ph.D.
"For the students of therapy, for the young practitioner, for those interested in a diagnostic model for the initial stage of analytic therapy, I recommend this book. The prose is lucid, lively, and very readable. The author demonstrates refreshing candor about therapeutic work, empathy toward patients, as well as invaluable knowledge and insights gleaned from the clinical setting. McWilliams writes about complex constructs in psychoanalytic theory in a clear and comprehensive way." --Doris K. Silverman, Ph.D.
"This is diagnosis, not as labeling, but as making distinctions with consequences for treatment.This book sensitizes the therapist to differences that make a difference, and provides a conceptual bridge for using psychoanalytic knowledge to greatly increase the effectiveness even of brief psychotherapy, as well as longer-term treatments." --Bertram P. Karon, Ph.D.
"There has been a great need for a comprehensive book to address the relationships between character and therapy. McWilliams not only succeeds in writing a scholarly text, but brings each character type to life with clinical vignettes which make this a real page-turner. It offers a foundation to the beginner, and the more experienced psychotherapist will come away with a deeper understanding of people and the therapeutic process. I think it is destined to become a classic in psychotherapy literature." --Jean Ciardiello, Ed.D.
"The aim of Nancy McWilliams's excellent (and I believe essential) book is twofold: first, to present a psychoanalytically oriented view of individual differences in personality structure and then, secondly, to show how these differences can be clinically and therapeutically useful.Stylistically, the writing is clear and simple and jargon is, for the most part, avoided. The case examples and anecdotes, especially those illustrating the different personality types, are well-chosen and illuminating." --Scott Miller, Ph.D. in New Jersey Psychologist
"A successful attempt to bring together the many strands of contemporary psychoanalytic investigation of the nature and psychotherapeutic treatment of character pathology. Readable and informative, this book moves easily from one theoretical frame to another according to the usefulness of each frame for understanding a specific aspect of the character pathology.The result is a book that should be helpful to the psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapist of personality disorders as well as to the clinician in carrying out the differential diagnosis of these conditions.The thoughtful references, at crucial points, to literature that permits the reader to deepen his or her understanding in this field enriches and broadens the perspective opened by this excellent primer." --Otto F. Kernberg, M.D.
"Comprehensible and readable--lends itself to graduate studies." --Cathleen Adams, Ph.D., New School for Social Research, Graduate Psychology
"This is a clear, superbly written text. The author consistently develops the treatment implications of diagnostic statements." --Virginia Brabender, Ph.D., ABPP-Cl
"This book is so well written, and with such subtlety, sensitivity, and clarity, it gave me goosebumps to read it." --Garry Walls, Ph.D., Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago IL; Course: Psychopathology I
"Psychoanalytic Diagnosis is a highly readable approach to character pathology that combines theoretical sophistication with clinical wisdom. Nancy Williams is an experienced, empathic, and intelligent therapist who succeeds in making clinical material come alive through her perceptiveness and her skill in writing. It isn't often that diagnosis is linked in a meaningful way to treatment, and McWilliams' schema allows this to happen. In addition, she shows an appreciation of all of the approaches to psychoanalytic theory without succumbing to a doctrinaire formulation. The integration that is achieved is an accomplishment in its own right, and students at all levels of training should benefit from this lucid presentation."
--George Stricker, Ph.D., Distinguished research Professor, Adelphi University
"Finally, a current, lucid, and comprehensive psychoanalytic text on psychology. It takes into account all of the most recent developments in psychoanalytic thinking. It is an ideal text for serious students of psychoanalytic approaches to psychopathology." --Jonathan H. Slavin, Ph.D., Director, Counseling Center, Tufts University
"A superb, highly readable work on the understanding of character patterns in clinical practice.PSYCHOANALYTIC DIAGNOSIS will be of immense value to all students undertaking training in the psychodynamic tradition. Because this book is so broadly integrative in scope and so rich in clinical understanding, it will be of great interest to students and practitioners of other theoretical persuasions as well." --George E. Atwood, Ph.D.
"For the students of therapy, for the young practitioner, for those interested in a diagnostic model for the initial stage of analytic therapy, I recommend this book. The prose is lucid, lively, and very readable. The author demonstrates refreshing candor about therapeutic work, empathy toward patients, as well as invaluable knowledge and insights gleaned from the clinical setting. McWilliams writes about complex constructs in psychoanalytic theory in a clear and comprehensive way." --Doris K. Silverman, Ph.D.
"This is diagnosis, not as labeling, but as making distinctions with consequences for treatment.This book sensitizes the therapist to differences that make a difference, and provides a conceptual bridge for using psychoanalytic knowledge to greatly increase the effectiveness even of brief psychotherapy, as well as longer-term treatments." --Bertram P. Karon, Ph.D.
"There has been a great need for a comprehensive book to address the relationships between character and therapy. McWilliams not only succeeds in writing a scholarly text, but brings each character type to life with clinical vignettes which make this a real page-turner. It offers a foundation to the beginner, and the more experienced psychotherapist will come away with a deeper understanding of people and the therapeutic process. I think it is destined to become a classic in psychotherapy literature." --Jean Ciardiello, Ed.D.
"a much needed text whichwill benefit both clinicians and psychotherapists in training.Considering the wealth of clinical material and wisdom found in this book, I think it is well worth the price. It is of great topical interest, and I highly recommend it to all residents and mental-health professionals involved in dynamic psychotherapy." --Canadian journal of Psychiatry
"If a 'charming textbook' seems like an oxymoron, then welcome to Nancy McWilliams's Psychoanalytic Diagnosis. Her book is just such a wonder.McWilliams has succeeded in producing a book for initial learning that will remain on her readers' desks as a frequently thumbed manual." --Psychoanalytic Books
"Thanks to McWilliams's excellent book, those of us who teach or supervise can at last offer our students and supervisees a comprehensive, exceptionally well-organized text on diagnosis, grounded in evolving psychoanalytic theory and focused on linking diagnosis to the appropriate therapeutic response.Since reading Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, I have found myself using it as a teaching tool and reference when diagnostic questions arise that have implications for therapeutic interventions." --Contemporary Psychology
"this text serves as a good introduction to the field of psychodynamic therapy and conceptualization." --American journal of Psychotherapy
"In her sweeping, comprehensive work about a psychoanalytic perspectives on diagnosis, Dr. McWilliams has written a book which could easily become classic as a psychoanalytic primer for students in the fieldThis book is worthy of a wide readership." --Clinical Social Work Journal
"If a 'charming textbook' seems like an oxymoron, then welcome to Nancy McWilliams's Psychoanalytic Diagnosis. Her book is just such a wonder.McWilliams has succeeded in producing a book for initial learning that will remain on her readers' desks as a frequently thumbed manual." --Psychoanalytic Books
"Thanks to McWilliams's excellent book, those of us who teach or supervise can at last offer our students and supervisees a comprehensive, exceptionally well-organized text on diagnosis, grounded in evolving psychoanalytic theory and focused on linking diagnosis to the appropriate therapeutic response.Since reading Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, I have found myself using it as a teaching tool and reference when diagnostic questions arise that have implications for therapeutic interventions." --Contemporary Psychology
"this text serves as a good introduction to the field of psychodynamic therapy and conceptualization." --American journal of Psychotherapy
"In her sweeping, comprehensive work about a psychoanalytic perspectives on diagnosis, Dr. McWilliams has written a book which could easily become classic as a psychoanalytic primer for students in the fieldThis book is worthy of a wide readership." --Clinical Social Work Journal
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