Severe personality disorders. Otto Kernberg

"Severe Personality Disorders. Psychotherapeutic Strategies", a book by Otto Kernberg, one of the most influential modern psychoanalysts, is a complex but extremely necessary reading for specialists working with severe psychopathology in the psychoanalytic paradigm. The depth and clarity of the author's clinical thinking make his work a real guide in the world of personality disorders. The concept of structural diagnosis, created and practically applied by Kernberg, allows you to look at the patient not only through his symptoms, but through the organization of the personality as a whole. The author also paid considerable attention to technical skill, based on specific clinical cases, the book describes how to work with impasse situations, with patients who have a suicidal risk or traits of malignant narcissism.

The analysis of work with narcissistic and borderline pathology is extremely interesting and important. Kernberg provides clear guidelines: how not to fall into the trap of regression, how to withstand intense affective pressure, how to maintain an analytical position.

The book is enhanced by the author's bold and professionally honest position. Kernberg is not afraid to talk about the limitations of psychotherapy, about situations when it is ineffective or cannot be applied, about difficult cases and ethical dilemmas.