Character structures underlie everyone's personality. When rigidly defended, they limit us; yet as they become more flexible, they can reveal sources of animation, renewal and authenticity.
The Matrix and Meaning of Character guides the reader into an awareness of the archetypal depths that underlie character structures, presenting an original developmental model in which current analytic theories are synthesised. The authors examine nine character structures, animating them with fairy tales, mythic images and case material, creating a bridge between the traditional language of psychopathology and the universal realm of image and symbol.
This book will appeal to all analytical psychologists, psychoanalysts and psychotherapists who want to strengthen their clinical expertise. It will help clinicians to extend their clinical insights beyond a strictly behavioural, medical or cognitive approach, revealing the potential of the human spirit.
The Matrix and Meaning of Character guides the reader into an awareness of the archetypal depths that underlie character structures, presenting an original developmental model in which current analytic theories are synthesised. The authors examine nine character structures, animating them with fairy tales, mythic images and case material, creating a bridge between the traditional language of psychopathology and the universal realm of image and symbol.
This book will appeal to all analytical psychologists, psychoanalysts and psychotherapists who want to strengthen their clinical expertise. It will help clinicians to extend their clinical insights beyond a strictly behavioural, medical or cognitive approach, revealing the potential of the human spirit.
"This is an impressively honest attempt to address the reality of the psyche in the area of character defenses, and the authors prove that Jungian psychology is up to the job. Clinicians will find a well of empathy to refresh their understandings of the difficult personality traits some patients bring to analysis. This is a book that has the power to make a therapist who is stuck with a patient feel like sticking the course." - John Beebe, Founding Editor of The San Francisco Jung Institute Library Journal
"This book is one that could be consulted when challenging cases demand a different perspective. It would therefore be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any experienced therapist." - Pam Marshall, Consultant Adult Psychotherapist, Eating Disorders Service, European Eating Disorders Review (16) 2008, UK
"This book is one that could be consulted when challenging cases demand a different perspective. It would therefore be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any experienced therapist." - Pam Marshall, Consultant Adult Psychotherapist, Eating Disorders Service, European Eating Disorders Review (16) 2008, UK
"This is an impressively honest attempt to address the reality of the psyche in the area of character defenses, and the authors prove that Jungian psychology is up to the job. Clinicians will find a well of empathy to refresh their understandings of the difficult personality traits some patients bring to analysis. This is a book that has the power to make a therapist who is stuck with a patient feel like sticking the course." - John Beebe, Founding Editor of The San Francisco Jung Institute Library Journal
"This book is one that could be consulted when challenging cases demand a different perspective. It would therefore be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any experienced therapist." - Pam Marshall, Consultant Adult Psychotherapist, Eating Disorders Service, European Eating Disorders Review (16) 2008, UK
"This book is one that could be consulted when challenging cases demand a different perspective. It would therefore be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of any experienced therapist." - Pam Marshall, Consultant Adult Psychotherapist, Eating Disorders Service, European Eating Disorders Review (16) 2008, UK