Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Personality Disorders
This book represents a seminally important contribution, taking us reassuringly through heretofore murky and uncharted waters. Prof. Livesley convincingly integrates and reconciles neuropsychological, social and psychiatric perspectives on Personality Disorders. The author and his contributors deliver a broad set of information for the clinicians involved with the treatment of Personality Disorders and with the research on this, yet fresh enough and deep enough to prove useful to the most experienced specialist. ... Read more

Book Description
Borderline Personality Disorder. "What the hell was that?" raged Rachel Reiland when she read the diagnosis written in her medical chart.As the 29-year old accountant, wife, and mother of young children would soon discover, it was the diagnosis that finally explained her explosive anger, manipulative behaviors, and self-destructive episodes- including bouts of anorexia, substance abuse, and sexual promiscuity.With astonishing honesty, Reiland's memoir reveals what mental illness feels like and looks like from the inside, and how healing from such a devastating disease is possible through intensive therapy and the support of loved ones. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

valuable book for all who love a BPD
I just finished reading Rachel Reiland's book, Get Me Out of Here....I found the book to be very informative, emotionally packed and filled with real-life BPD drama.Rachel and her psychiatrist have a truly one in a million relationship.He is wonderful to her, helpful but won't let her play her games in therapy.Rachel comes a long way from the little girl with the rich family...having a crisis in her life which leads to hospitalization and the providence of having Dr. Padgett for a therapist.He cares alot but also knows how to work with BPD.This young woman is truly more than a survivor.She enters the black hole of her life now named Borderline personality disorder and comes out the other end in the sunshine really ready to live life to its fullest for the first time.The support from her husband and children is wonderful.Where are the other Dr. Padgetts in the world of psychiatry?I cried at the end I was so happy for her but not only that...it gives me hope for my own daughter who was just diagnosed.

An inspiration for all
The author does a beautiful job taking the reader through her experiences! I cried tears of sadness, pain, joy and triumph all from this beautifully written memoir. Her book is so well written that I believe anyone, whether or not directly affected by BPD, can relate to her struggles and gain strength, courage, and inspiration in his/her own life journey.

I recommend this frequently to colleagues.
I frequently recommend this book to colleagues because it provides a human side to a frequently "labeled" and "dismissed" condition.Some of my colleagues in psychology see Borderline Personality Disorder as a character defect that cannot be solved OR, alternatively, as some sort of deliberate behavior that the client is not only conscious of but is using for her (or his, though most BPD clients, diagnosed, are female) own means.This book provides a compassionate, human perspective.Whether or not I believe that by the end of the book the author is "healed" and whether or not I agree with the treatment methodology used is irrelevant to the point.

ridiculous
I usually enjoy psychology-related books, but this one was ridiculous! It was looong and tedious, and her drama queen behavior is downright embarassing. If I ever acted like she did, my husband would be out the door! He must be a fool. I've never come across anyone who is as full of herself as this woman is. I highly doubt this book can actually help anyone.

book
Very good book, could not put down. Reminds me of a couple members of my family. arrived on time,excellent condition ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Mental illness in everyday life
This scholarly book tackles a theme that mass market books can only dance around - how children grow up in families where one or more of the parents have an identifiable mental illness such as neurosis which results inbizzare (although often subtle) actions, and unpredictable andinappropriate behavior around the kids.

The basic theme of this book isthe way that familys and child development can produce life-long problemswith relationships (neurosis) and aggression (personality disorder).Although it acknowledges the extreme difficulty of proving this, it laysout a scholarly, thorough, and compelling case. It touches on a series ofintertwined developmental issues, which mass market books would have dealtwith separately. This prevents mass market readers from the seeing howthese problems are related. This includes issues of promiscuity, what otherbooks would call "low self esteem," substance abuse, genderconfusion, repeated destructive relationships, sadism, compulsive sexualbehavior, asexual behavior, feminine role-playing in women, fakehyper-masculine behavior in men, and the way that all these defense aremobilized to sabotage relationships and counseling. Although sex plays arole in many of these problems, there is nothing salacious about this book.The tone is not dry, but sometimes amusingly old-fashioned.

There is alsoa thorough examination of role of adults that act out their repressedhostilities through their children. And the explanation of how adultsencourage to children to act out the adults' repressed sexual desires isdownright eerie, but seems right on target in an era where so many adultsseem obsessed with pushing inappropriate clothes, movies, books on verysmall children. It also describes cases where small children show extremelydisturbing flirtatious and sexual behavior, urged on by their parents (whohave no idea).

This book is a series of essays. The quality of eachchapter is uniformly excellent. The writers have a Freudian perspective,but the book never bogs down in jargon. Its level of difficulty isappropriate for the interested laymen, although it would be clearly beyondthe level of a Psych 101 textbook. Although somewhat technical, this ismeat & potatoes psychology you can really get your teeth into. Thewriting is uniformly good, and repeated readings provide fresh and powerfulinsights into self-destructive behavior we see every day. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you've been diagnosed, you recognize yourself in the criteria or someone has suggested to you that you might suffer from BPD, this book is a definite 'must-have' in your library as you work toward achieving a healthier, happier lifestyle.Putting The Pieces Together is a practical guide to recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder by teaching the reader how to achieve healthy, happy living. While the book is primarily geared toward helping a person living with BPD, anyone may benefit from the simple but effective techniques offered. This book is quite unlike any other currently on the shelves. While there are some truly wonderful sources available to Borderlines, most are written by professionals in the mental health field and offer only a clinical, impartial understanding of the disorder. Putting The Pieces Together is the first book of its kind to offer both sides of the coin. As it dissects the diagnostic criteria of BPD, it also explores the psyche of a Borderline from an insider's perspective to which those who suffer from the disorder can genuinely relate. Putting The Pieces Together is an ideal 'how to' book that will serve as your companion during your journey to mental health, stability and happiness offering support and reassurance along with some of the most practical and easy-to-learn coping techniques that will get you through just about any situation you might encounter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

An excellent guide for those who want to recover...
For those who suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder, this book is a must read.It offers insight as well as "practical guides" to start and continue on the road to recovery.The author, who is a recovered Borderline, gives resources, tools and behaviors that someone with Borderline (and others, as well!) can use in their daily lives to bring relief and start on their own journey to recovery.The book is well written, easily understood and direct.

I have read other books about "BPD" and find them to be lacking as far as offering guidance, resources and insightful information.This book (along with it's website) has been a godsend for me, my family, and those close to me.I give it a big 5 stars and recommend it highly!

From the author ....
The ideas and concepts in this book are designed to be a self-study course.Just as no two people are exactly alike, no two journeys toward recovery (defined as healthy, happy living) can be exactly alike.There is no linear "if you do A, then do B, C will happen and D will be next."Recovery doesn't work that way.It's a personal and intimate journey through a person's own soul, history, trauma and hopes for the future.No single book (printed or yet to be printed) could possibly offer everything for everyone dealing with a particular subject.

"Putting The Pieces Together" is meant to be a primer, a foundation to help YOU lead the life YOU want to lead!No commandments, no prescriptive living regimens, no "follow this plan to a healthy life in seven quick days" - just some basic tools to help you lead your life in a recovery-oriented, healthy, happy way.

The book is indeed written in easy-to-understand terms, much the way "The Angry Heart" talks with the reader instead of at the reader as many cold, clinical texts tend to do.As the author, I contained personal anecdotes mostly to the prologue and optional chapter (my life history that could be skipped entirely without losing any value from the remainder of the book) so that the reader has the ability to feel like we've just met for coffee or are chatting on the phone.My role was not to preach or direct.My role was not to say "Here's my story in all of it gore and glory."My role, in writing Putting The Pieces Together, was to say "this worked for me, and I've seen it working for hundreds of others, here are some basics that helped the process, hopefully they'll work for you as well."

Those who will gain the most from "Putting The Pieces Together" are those who have declared - to themselves - that they indeed want to live a healthy, happy life!Without that personal commitment, the book is just words on paper.

If you have tried to read the clinical texts only to get frustrated by the lack of warmth, compassion or understandable words, give "Putting The Pieces Together" a try.

If you have read intense emotional accounts of those who've gone through their own, deeply personal process of recovery and have been left thinking "Well, that's great for this author but that doesn't get ME any further along the road to recovery!" give "Putting The Pieces Together" a try.

If you have read books written by mental health professionals trying to describe what it's like to recover from Borderline Personality Disorder and didn't find the "Yes, this person really understands how the Borderline mind works!" give "Putting The Pieces Together" a try.

The concepts discussed in "Putting The Pieces Together" seem easy at first.(In fact, laughably easy to some.)Reading & understanding the words and living them are two different things.It takes a very strong person to work through Borderline Personality Disorder, to actually bring order to their personality, to achieve Healthy, Happy Living ... or recovery.I believe that everyone who reads, understands and lives the principles in "Putting The Pieces Together" has the capacity to reach recovery from BPD.

Pop psychology
Written in easily understandable laymen's terms. However, may be more appropriate and useful for very mild cases of BPD. Those who suffer from moderate to severe forms of borderline pathology would clearly not benefit much from this book.
Many of us, who suffer from this illness, could render personal accounts, case histories, along with more insightful,informative, and comprehensive material that would make Miss Jensen look like a little girl playing house.

Puts it all together
A wonderful book written by someone who actually suffered from BPD.She explains the tools she used to recover in plain language. For someone like me who has this disorder, it is hard to find self-help books about BPD. Definitely add this one to your list.

The Best on Recovery from BPD
If you struggle with issues related to Borderline Personality Disorder or know someone who does, this book is for you. The author's writing style flows. Her ideas are sensible and easy to grasp. She sounds like your best friend who is sharing what works. She has certainly known the bottom of the pit called Borderline Personality Disorder. She has been there, done that, and crawled out of it. She now shows the way out to tens of hundreds of people on a regular basis.

Most of all, this book offers hope and answers, not just questions and data. A bonus to the book is the web site at www.BPDrecovery.com and the peer support offered by the discussion board. If you'd like to read a book with the potential to change your life by helping you find the path to happy, healthy living, then READ THIS ONE. If you are ready to take responsibility and move forward with your life, no matter what your diagnosis or your symptoms, then READ THIS BOOK. If you need to hear that recovery from BPD is possible, then READ THIS BOOK. It's that simple. ... Read more

Book Description
A complete therapist guide for borderline personality disorder. Few psychological problems carry the negative connotation accompanying borderline personality disorder (BPD). The most common element of BPD is an exquisite sensitivity to life events that may manifest in periodic loss of control. This loss of control may lead to actions that can be damaging to oneself and others. The authors have this volume to help and the therapists of people with BPD take control of this disorder. Filled with practical strategies and the research and theory behind them, this book provides clinicians with the necessary tools for working with this innovative program. ... Read more

Book Description
DSM-IV Personality Disorders - Explained is a clearly written, concise introduction to character pathology. After an introductory chapter on the theoretical principles, each of the ten DSM-IV personality disorders is discussed in a separate chapter. This book is a condensation of Field Guide to Personality Disorders (ISBN 0-9680324-6-X), also published by Rapid Psychler Press. This book contains some clever illustrations and humor which enhances learning and retention of the material. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A very good appetizer for "Personality Disorders" lovers
This book is considered a very good introduction for "personality disorders" from the DSM point of view. It's very readable, illustrated with mnemonics, cartoon examples, media examples, more over it uses humour as an educational tool. It could be considered as an appetizer, rather than a comprehensive reference in this area. I would recommend it for medical students, residents and mental health workers. It can be helpful for non medical people interested to know more than personality disorders.

Practicle. Great book.
The best book I've read to be used with patients in helping them understand a PD diagnosis in a non-threatening way. Wonderful refresher.

A very good appetizer for "Personality Disorders" lovers
This book is considered a very good intruduction for " personality disorders" from the DSM point of view. Its very readable, illustrated with mnemonics, cartoon examples, media examples , more over it uses humer a an educational tool. It could be considered as an appetizer, rather than a comprehensive refrence in this area. I would recommend it for medical students , residents andmental health workers. It can be helpful for non medical people intrested to know more than personality disorders. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Work of art
benjamin is a wonderful theoretician, therapist, writer, and lecturer--a true asset to the field. here, she tackles personality disorders with skill and confidence. these methods work! particularly helpful to me were the strategies for handling the intensity of patients with borderline personality disorder. she takes the notion of emotional containment to a whole new level and provides practical, patient-honoring, and self-respecting ways of conveying empathic boundaries. a very matter-of-fact approach that manages intensity in a compassionate yet firm way. one of the best books--if not THE best book--available for treating personality disorders.

A book by and for the psychotherapist/scientist-practitioner
Benjamin is a rare clinician: one equally as comfortable in the researcher's as well as psychotherapist's chair. Put bluntly, her book is a tour de force. Regardless of theoretical orientation, psychotherapists will better understand the necessary relationship elements that provide healing for persons who fit Axis II pigeonholes. While initially difficult to grasp, SASB is unbelievably practical, and provides guidance in those moments of clinical despair (that both patient and therapist can experience). Particularly useful, in my view, is her discussion of both the origin of one's introject (self-system) and the wishes/fears people with different Axis II disorders bring to the interpersonal table. In my experience, patients find her model a structure of sanity, amidst a culture of faith healers, repressed memory practitioners, and tarot card readers. Rating: "A PERFECT 10." ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
"Everyone expects me to have goals for the future. I'm just struggling to survive each day." - Client with BPD

Such is the struggle of persons with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) who are plagued by chronic urges to harm themselves, overwhelming emotions, impulsivity, and problematic relationships. For these individuals every day, and sometimes, every moment, can be a struggle to get through. The tasks of daily life which most people seem to handle with minimal discomfort, leave the Borderline client feeling confused, overwhelmed, and inadequate. Further, chronic urges to mutilate or kill themselves place them at high risk of hospitalization or even death.

Borderline Personality Disorder: Struggling, Understanding, Succeeding is an easy to understand must read for clinicians of all backgrounds. The title not only describes the process of recovering, but also the process care providers must go through to live with and treat BPD. The struggling client with BPD must learn to understand her behavior in order to change it. Likewise, the struggling clinician must learn to understand the Borderline client before they will be able to provide successful interventions.

Struggling, Understanding, Succeeding describes the struggles facing clients with Borderline Personality Disorder as well as the professionals and loved ones caring for them. Dr. Warner argues that by understanding these individual's behaviors and changing our negative ways of thinking about them, we can become more satisfied and successful in our work. In down to earth language with practical examples, this book provides an overview of the current knowledge base regarding Borderline Personality Disorder and an introduction to the concepts of Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. Concrete strategies are described for assessing and intervening with clients who self injure along with a list of "Things to Try Instead of Hurting Yourself."

If you don't have hours to pour over research articles and textbooks, this book will summarize them for you and translate them into real world strategies. ... Read more

Book Description
The Personality Disorders Treatment Planner provides all the elements necessary to quickly and easily develop formal treatment plans that satisfy the demands of HMOs, managed care companies, third-party payers, and state and federal review agencies.

• Saves you hours of time-consuming paperwork, yet offers the freedom to develop customized treatment plans for clients with personality disorders
• Organized around 32 main presenting problems, from antisocial-malevolent and borderline-petulant to histrionic-appeasing, obsessive-compulsive, paranoid-fanatic, and others
• Over 1,000 well-crafted, clear statements describe the behavioral manifestations of each relational problem, long-term goals, short-term objectives, and clinically tested treatment options
• Easy-to-use reference format helps locate treatment plan components by behavioral problem or DSM-IV™ diagnosis
• Includes a sample treatment plan that conforms to the requirements of most third-party payers and accrediting agencies (including JCAHO and NCQA)

Customer Reviews (1)

Absolutely essential!
If you write treatment plans then you must have this book.Well organized and easy to follow for any mental health professional.It saves me time and allows me to customize my treatment plans for my clients' individual needs.If you own the DSM-IV, this book is the perfect companion.Regardless of theoretical orientation this book will help you to satisfy the demands of managed care.It is indispensable and, in today's world of managed care, this book is the ultimate time saver. ... Read more

Book Description
A revolutionary, personalized psychotherapy approach for the treatment of Axis II personality disorders, by renowned expert Dr. Theodore Millon

Acknowledging the primacy of the whole person, Overcoming Resistant Personality Disorders: A Personalized Psychotherapy Approach takes into account all of the complexities of human nature--family influences, culture, neurobiological processes, unconscious memories, and so on--illustrating that no part of human nature should lie outside the scope of a clinician's regard.

Part of a three-book series, this book provides you with a unique combination of conceptual background and step-by-step practical advice to guide your treatment of Axis II personality disorders.

Detailed case studies are provided throughout the text to illustrate the strategies of personalized psychotherapy for:
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The Needy/Dependent Prototype
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The Sociable/Histrionic Prototype
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The Confident/Narcissistic Prototype
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The Nonconforming/Antisocial Prototype
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The Assertive/Sadistic Prototype
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The Conscientious/Compulsive Prototype
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The Skeptical/Negativistic Prototype

Destined to become an essential reference for trainees and professionals, this book makes a revolutionary call to return therapy to the natural reality of each patient's life, seamlessly guiding you in understanding the personality and treatment of the whole, unique, yet complex person. ... Read more

Book Description

An accurate description of the problems associated with personality disorders can lead to psychotherapists providing better treatment for their patients, alleviating some of the difficulties associated with handling such disorders. The authors draw on existing therapeutic approaches and concepts to offer a treatment model for dealing with personality disorders.

Psychotherapy of Personality Disorders clearly discusses the models for different types of personality disorder, along with general treatment principles, focusing on:

• principles for identifying and classifying types of disorder
• theoretical analyses that are characteristic of each type
• practical therapeutic principals that are grounded in the basic theory.

The language is clinician-friendly and the therapeutic model is illustrated with clinical cases and session transcripts making this title essential reading for psychotherapists, personality disorder researchers and cognitive scientists as well as professionals with an interest in personality disorders.

Book Description
The revised edition, like the original, is organized into two parts.Part I will offer an overview of the field, and has been significantly updated to reflect the most recent advances in CBT and the treatment of personality disorders, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Schema Therapy, Cognitive Coping Therapy, Structured Intervention Strategies, and Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy.A new section on developmental psychopathology has also been added.Part II, Specific Treatment Strategies is composed of five chapters that each focus on a specific personality disorder.These chapters address Avoidant, Borderline, Dependent, Narcissistic, Histrionic and Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorders, and follow a consistent structure that follows the treatment process in its various stages: engagement, pattern analysis, pattern change and termination and pattern maintenance, including follow-up and relapse prevention. ... Read more

Book Description
Randi Kreger draws on extensive new research to provide advice for successfully navigating life with someone who has borderline personality disorder. Step-by-step suggestions--many from users of the author's comprehensive website-- help readers set and enforce personal limits, communicate clearly, cope with put-downs and rage, develop a safety plan, and make realistic decisions. Throughout the text are worksheets, checklists, and exercises that build on one another and enable readers to apply the suggestions to their lives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

He is not crazy
If you have a loved one acting unreasonable one day and loving the next,read this book They may not be on drugs not Bi-polar but Borderline Personality Disorder maybe after reading you will have an understanding of the behavior.It is treatable and gives we who live with this person hope the .Ranting , ravingblambing ia explained along with sggestions on coping..Best book on this subject I have found.....

Highly recommended
A godsend and an eye opener.Well worth getting if BPD traits are present in your loved one.

Essential
This workbook is essential for anyone who has a loved one with BPD or suspected BPD traits.

Borderline personality disorder
Excellent resource for dealing with someone who has Borderline Personality Disorder.Great help for understanding BPD behavior and how to deal with it.

excellent resource!
this book has proven to be an excellent resource for family members and co-workers who have expressed some frustrations in their relationships with individuals with BPD.it provides helpful background information to help people understand the problem and conceptualize it.it provides realistic exercises and suggested approaches that usually seem to be very helpful in relating with individuals with BPD.if one book to provide, i prefer this book over the other eggshell book in that it is better received, more understandable, and more useful.some patients' loved ones take it and hide it for a while as they begin reading it.almost all find that eventually it is most effective when there is real cooperation between partners on learning new, more effective ways of relating.i've given out at least one dozen copies of this book and it is very popular.i believe it is well worth the price, new, given the tools and hope that it can provide. ... Read more

Book Description
Kantor focuses on a misunderstood but common condition that brings severe and pervasive anxiety about social contacts and relationships. Fear of intimacy and commitment keeps avoidants from forming close, meaningful relationships. Types of avoidants can include confirmed bachelors, "femme fatales," and people who form what appear to be solid relationships only to tire of them and leave with little warning, often devastating their partners/victims. Kantor takes us through the history of this disorder, and into clinical treatment rooms, to see and hear how avoidants think, feel, and recover. He offers psychotherapists a specific method for helping avoidants overcome their fear of closeness and commitments, and offers a guide for avoidants themselves to use for developing lasting, intimate, anxiety-free relationships. The avoidance reduction techniques presented in this book recognize that avoidants not only fear criticism and humiliation, but also fear being flooded by their feelings and being depleted if they express them. Acceptance is feared as much as rejection, because avoidants fear compromising their identity and losing personal freedom. Kantor describes the different therapeutic emphasis required for the four types of avoidants, including those who are withdrawn due to shyness and social phobia, such as people who intensely fear public speaking; those who relate easily, widely, and well, but cannot sustain relationships due to fear of closeness; those whose restlessness causes them to leave steady relationships, often without warning; and those who grow dependent on--and merge with--a single lover or family member and avoid relating to anyone else. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

The most comprehensive book on AvPD
If you have been diagnosed or think you have AvPD, this book is the most comprehensive source for a discussion of the personality disorder.My reommendation to get through the book: skip the examples.Most of the examples are about gay patients, gay lifestyles, or elitist lifestyles.Unless you are gay or a rich avoidant, I would bypass the examples and just read the text of the book.

Best you can buy on AvPD
I don't think that some of the criticism articulated by other readers is valid. First, Kantor's book is not intended as purely academic research material for scientists -- and this is what makes it easy to read and useful for a big audience. The book explicitly addresses persons with AvPD and their "victims", so you shouldn't expect highly academical lingo and math. Some sentences, although questionable from an academic point of view, are worth the book's money for major audiences. Example: "Victims of avoidants remain convinced that something is wrong with them, and try to do better, when it is the avoidant who has the problem and should be the one making the improvements." Great insight, and encouraging for those "victims", who are, unfortunately, part of the AvPD bill, too. I think it's fantastic how Kantor reflects and elaborates on this fact. Second, while there are lots of examples from gay couples and Mr. Kantor may be gay himself, I don't assume that this devaluates the book as there is probably no difference in how AvPD affects homosexual or heterosexual relationships.

Interesting, but Flawed
This book attracted me because I know an avoidant and wanted to understand her. I found the book both interesting and tedious. Kantor does a good job of classifying the various types of AvPD and their symptoms, but lost my attention by his examples and his constant reference to gays. I accept that any relationship may evidence avoidant behavior, but it seems that Kantor particularly enjoyed using a gay psychotherapist as his favorite example. This caused me to read the book primarily as a manual for gay avoidants --- that might be applicable to more general heterosexual relationships.
I also noticed that the examples seemed to focus on urban social life --- parties, decorating, looks, fashion --- conditions that might apply in New York City, but not necessarily Boise, Idaho.
Nevertheless, I found the basic explanation of avoidants andtreatments good and thorough. It is fairly clear that avoidants can develop closer relationships --- and this provides hope for those who want to relate to them. Kantor could improve the book, however, by providing better examples.

Good but
The book is great for differentiating the subtle differences among the many similar personality disorders. For that reason alone it's worth the hefty price knowing what classification your symptoms fall under.

However, not long into the book my antennae came up. What's with all the gay stuff? Not only does he present an equal number (or more?) of gay examples but you get the uneasy sense of someone really hooked on gays. I later assume from what I've read about him he is gay himself so that solves the mystery.

Excellent Source
Avoidant Personality Disorder has not received the attention it deserves. Many people think AvPD is another word for agoraphobia or social phobia, but all three are completely different diagnoses. For one thing, people with AvPD suffer much more severely than those with a social phobia. As for agoraphobiz? That's fear of being somewhere you can't "escape," at least not without embarrassment. So....

If you're avoidant or think you or someone you love might be, this is a wonderful resource. There aren't enouigh books out there about the subject, but this one explains the different "types" of avoidants, the causes, the therapy, and much more. A definite MUST read to anyone interested in the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
Six audio cassettes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Deep Visionary Empathy for BPD
From the back cover:

The Borderline Personality: Vision and Healing is an important contribution to understanding not only borderline personality, but basic structures and problems of the human condition.It is imaginative, profound, and clinically sound.Workers of all clinical persuasions will be enriched by Dr. Schwartz-Salant's case discussions and by his determination to follow his vision as far as he can.His courage to say what he sees will help the reader engage more of the experiences, aims and structures adumbrated by the term "borderline."Dr. Schwartz-Salant's explorations enhance and sharpen awareness of possibilities inherent in the therapy relationship in general.--Michael Eigen, Ph.D., author of The Psychotic Core

A highly original blend of the visionary and the practical, Schwartz-Salant's work will appeal to depth psychologists of all schools -- Jungian and Freudian alike.I learnt something from every page, not just about borderline conditions but also about the nature of the psyche and our attempts to attend to its sufferings by means of analysis.--Andrew Samuels, author of Jung and the Post-Jungians

This book offers insights into the inner life of the so-called borderline patient that are unparalleled in the psychoanalytic or Jungian literature.Its grasp of the deep anxieties selfhood poses for the deeply wounded person is thoroughly clinical in its relevance to treatment and yet almost religious in its respect for the soul-struggle of the individual caught in this painful syndrome.Dr. Salant's empathy lifts his work into a class entirely by itself, as the text to which most psychotherapists will turn when they want to understand some of their most difficult patients from the inside.--John E. Beebe, Editor of The San Francisco Jung Institute Library Journal

In this book, Nathan Schwartz-Salant describes how he applies a Jungian archetypal and imaginal approach to the therapy of borderline clients -- especially to the transference-countertransference field.His work presents a challenge to readers of all schools of psychoanalysis to reflect more clearly and deeply on symbolic issues as they intersect with clinical dynamics.--Sylvia Brinton Perera, author of Descent to the Goddess

This book was my breakthrough in coping with BPD
This book, written by a Jungian therapist, has given me almost all of the words and concepts I have always needed to express the terrible inner darkness, formlessness, and tumult of suffering from BPD. Therapy and medswere a godsend, but they were only palliatives. There seemed no hope ofpenetrating to the very source of this overwhelming disorder, ofunderstanding it, and perhaps even curing myself of it someday.

Mr.(Dr.?) Schwartz-Salant's compassion, clarity, analysis, and ideas havegiven me not only hope, but an entirely new (to me) way of looking at theproblem, and substantive directions in which to work toward resolution,both on my own and with the few therapists who can/should attempt to workwith borderlines.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and I hopeit helps others as much as it has helped me. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
Explores the frightening world of BPD patients and helps readers understand their pain. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (55)

Incredible and sensitive INSIDE perspective on BPD
I have a graduate education in psychology and biochemistry.I also have a deep interest in comparitive religion and "meaning making."In other words, I follow a multi-dimensional approach to understanding any phenomenon and I think this is necessary to capture the full depth of reality.This sets the context for my review.

I was very impressed by Lost in the Mirror and I couldn't put it down.It is a well-organized, thorough, balanced and sensitive approach to BPD as it is experienced from the inside.I think this inside perspective is particularly valuable to BPD sufferers and those that are close to them.It can help engender understanding, compassion and support as it helps loved ones make sense of the contradictory behavior, stormy emotions and other symptoms that accompany this disorder.

In some of the reviews below, Dr. Moskovitz is criticized for being overly empathetic for the BPD victim rather than the people on the receiving end of rage or acting out.I have been on the receiving end myself and I must say that I don't agree with this characterization.However, I have personally struggled with my own anger, confusion and feelings of disorientation.

The way I have made sense out of the above situation in my best moments is by trying to understand the inside perspective as it is presented in this book.I recognize at a deep level that both the BPD person is hurting and that others in their life are also hurting.I didn't get from reading Dr. Moskovitz that the person with this disorder is not responsible or completely off the hook, nor did I get a sense that he is bashing them for their behavior.It seemed like a balanced perspective to me.

There are two books that I think are "must haves" on BPD.One of them is this volume and the other is Sometimes I Act Crazy: Living with Borderline Personality Disorder.There are also many other great books on this topic, but these two together seem to give the most concise, thorough and deep treatment.

I particularly liked the way this book developed the topic and used just enough case history type content to bring the concepts alive.I also appreciated the powerful metaphors and great examples.Without sacrificing content, the author made a lot of difficult to understand material accessible to anyone.This is no easy feat with a disorder like BPD.

While I do admire this book very much, I also think it is important to have another perspective.I have found that with a topic like BPD, there are likely to be blindspots in any account.Therefore, I feel it's crucial to look at this terrain from as many perspectives as possible.Even with my psychological background, I must admit it was and is very difficult to get my arms fully around this complex disorder that causes so much suffering.

I wrote this review late at night partly because I feel this could be such a helpful book to so many people.I wanted to share with everyone who is seeking answers that this a unique and important contribution on this topic.I hope you find it as helpful as I did.

Lost ,Then Found
The beautiful writing style makes Lost in the Mirror rewarding reading. Learning of the probability of the woman I love being borderline BPD, I undertook learning as much as I could about the disorder.
LITM is the fifth book I've read in a series of excellent writings on the subject. It distinguishes itself through the genius of Dr. Moskovitz's presentation. I recommend it very highly. It is so well done I decided my dear lady friend would find it interesting with little chance of causing a disruption in our relationship.
It is working! She hasn't finished the book yet, but it surely has helped us discuss our "difficulties". As I expected, she believes I am the subject the doctor is referring to, but at least it has her seeing some "things" that have her realizing some of the symtoms describe her "inner" feelings.
I learned of her condition when I started therapy...and she will begin hers next week, with much thanks to this easy-to-understand, informative little book.

Not recommended for those with BPD--
I bought several books on BPD after realizing that someone
close to me has symptoms that match those associated with BPD.
I would not give this book to a person who is Paranoid
and/or is a dangerous trouble maker; traits that the BPD
person shows to some degree.
These types are out to destroy anyone whom they feel has
done anything to them---whether trivial or imagined.
This book does not sympathize with the BPD's victims but
finds excuses as to why the BPD person has been programed
to act in a destructive way--because of abuse as a
child, etc.
I know of 4 people in this certain family who show signs of
this illness and I can testify to the fact that none of them
were abused, either sexually, physically, mentally or
emotionally.
All 4 have caused family breakups, spread vicious lies, blamed
others for the negative feelings that they have of themselves.
I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE DANGEROUS.
They can be secretive, manipulative and devious.
I honestly do not believe that reading will help these people
other than TRYING to make them see that they need help.
And I have seen that therapy does little or nothing to help them.
The only positive results, that I have seen, are those who are
put on medication to change their moods, etc.
Something in the brain is not working.
To blame others for their problem only gives them the right to
continue their bad behavior.

6-22-07
For those who have taken offense to my review......

I am a most compassionate person who has much sympathy
for anyone who is hurting or has problems, whether physical,
mental or spiritual. You have read something into my review
that is not there.

My anger is not towards the two victims...i.e. ,the people
with the disorder and the people who have to live with them.
My anger is towards "THE(so called) EXPERTS" who place blame.
Blame on parents, events that never happened, or people who
had nothing to do with causing this disorder.Every book
I have read at least suggests that there is blame to be
placed.

I believe that this disorder is caused by something not
working right in a person's body. Whether it be hormones,
genetics, whatever, Because I have seen it in families,
I think that it is hereditary.

It does NO ONE ANY GOOD TO SUGGEST OR ADVISE EITHER VICTIM(S)
THAT SOMEONE ELSE CAUSED THEIR PROBLEM.
IT ONLY MAKES THEM WORSE.

Finding the cause or easing the symptoms with medications
are the only way , I believe, that this problem can be helped.

I have experienced, first hand,how Paranoia and BPD can cause a
multitude of problems and have come to the conclusion that
these illnesses are the cause of much of the heartache, break-ups,
family division, etc.
Many times over something trivial or non-existent.
I hope and pray that the cause of these life-shattering
illnesses is found ....SOON !

BELIEVE ME, I HAVE MUCH EXPERIENCE AND KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING
ABOUT. IT HASN'T BEEN AN EASY LIFE FOR ME

Lost in the Mirror
This book takes a psychological and behavioral approach to understanding borderline personality disorder. Even if you have read "I Hate You, Don't Leave Me", you'll need to read this book to understand what the best treatment modalities available today. Of course, it was out of date the minute it was put on paper, as all books are, but it is the best that I have found to understand the causes and underlying compulsions that frustrate those who suffer from BPD.

Very Informative
This book was very easy to read unlike other books that are so confusing. I found this book very helpful in understanding BPD. I think it's an excellent read if you are looking to understand BPD. ... Read more