The Freedom of the Self: The Bio-Existential Treatment of Character Problems (Critical Issues in Psychiatry)

Building on the work of Janet, Jung, and Fairbairn, the author details a comprehensive theory of pathology and integrates the major schools of treatment into a holistic outpatient milieu therapy. Abroms emphasizes the role of personality dissociation in depressive pathologies, and works toward unifying the self into a more aware, spiritually connected whole. Clinicians working from a variety of viewpoints will find fruit in his work. Front Matter....Pages i-xiv The Bio-Existential Spirit....Pages 1-11 The Definition and History of Psychotherapy....Pages 13-40 The Five Modern Schools of Mental Treatment....Pages 41-59 The Case of Beth and Howard....Pages 61-80 The History and the Hologram....Pages 81-100 Making the Diagnosis and Staging the Treatment....Pages 101-117 A Grief-Based Theory of Disorder....Pages 119-143 The Dynamics of Drug Therapy....Pages 145-161 Changing the Rules....Pages 163-179 Reliving the Past or Creating the Future....Pages 181-203 Guided Intimacy and Milieu Therapy....Pages 205-226 Freedom....Pages 227-241 Back Matter....Pages 243-248