Formulating a Psychoanalytic Case

How to understand a new patient? What work strategy to choose taking into account his characteristics? Although an experienced psychotherapist relies on generally accepted diagnostic principles, his own practice is more determined by subjective and intuitive processes. Nancy McWilliams, author of the classic work "Psychoanalytic Diagnosis," shows that only understanding the unique personal characteristics of the patient forms the right decision about the strategy and tactics of his therapy. Using examples of psychotherapeutic cases, clinical studies, and various theoretical concepts, the book explains in detail what contribution the assessment of the patient's temperament, development characteristics, defense mechanisms, affects, identifications, relationship patterns, and pathogenic beliefs makes to understanding the patient. The book is an indispensable tool for practicing psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists, regardless of their theoretical orientation, as well as for students, educators, and anyone interested in depth psychology.