Abstract
Theoretical and research advances of the past decade have contributed to a general theory of the technique of brief dynamic psychotherapy. Future advances depend in part on the specific modification of technique to address individuals with specific personality difficulties in specific life contexts. The purpose of the present paper is to delineate the modifications of brief dynamic therapy for persons with transient narcissistic regression following traumatic life experiences. The approach stresses initial supportive work to be followed by exploration of warded-off conflicts involving greater self-critical awareness on the part of the patient. The implications of this sequential strategy for the formation of the therapeutic alliance, the choice and working through of a problem focus, and the handling of termination, are spelled out with reference to a detailed single case example.
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This work was supported in part by National Institute of Mental Health Grant MH34337.
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Marmar, C.R., Freeman, M. Brief dynamic psychotherapy of post-traumatic stress disorders: Management of narcissistic regression. J Trauma Stress 1, 323–337 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00974768
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00974768