Becoming a Constant Object in Psychotherapy With the Borderline Patient

by James Cohen, Vance R. Sherwood

This book clarifies the issues borderline patients face in their daily lives and the attendant treatment dilemmas therapists confront. The authors offer a clear and concise stance for engaging this troubled and troublesome population, focusing in particular on the first stage of therapy, the time during which a constant attachment must be formed between the borderline patient and the therapist. This first phase of treatment is neither quick nor easy to resolve; a guide to its management can make the difference between a successful treatment and one that flounders.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

326 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1991

Reviews

[Leabelle]

I think there is a lot to be said for this book. The author argues it's best just to be present for a while to denvelop trust. Only once object constancy is present can the work of therapy begin. Being able to hold and hand back the projections of the client in a repackaged form is a skill of good therapy. Needs a very aware, extremely patient and non-egotistical person it would seem. Overall a good read and does not confine itself to strictly to any theoretical approach. The author seems to be sharing insights from hard-won skills.