Price: £21.38
Published: 2007

Synopsis
This book explores the underlying mechanisms of the psyche. It traces the development of the individual and, in particular, the development of the sense of self, which is understood to be intimately related to the individual's object relations and to play a crucial role in core clinical phenomena. The book outlines a new perspective on identity and affect which sheds light into the heartland of analytic theory, providing fresh insights into narcissism, and narcissistic, borderline, hysteric, and schizoid psychopathologies.

Description
‘This is an exciting book. Marcus West has embarked on an ambitious project in which, while taking into account an impressively comprehensive range of analytic theories, together with the insights of neuroscientists such as Damasio and Schore, he gives a new perspective on narcissistic functioning ... In writing this book West takes no rules for granted which is why it should be read by those experienced in this work as well as by beginners. He provides a refreshing and convincing theory which arose from his own determination to work effectively with his patient who, he felt, was bringing them both to the brink of disaster. In gleaning what he could from current literature he left few stones unturned and his energetic search, as well as its conclusions, is of equal interest to those from Jungian or psychoanalytic schools of thought. His contribution is of lasting significance for our profession.'
- Anne Tyndale, Training Analyst of the BAP (Psychoanalytic Section)
Marcus West is to be congratulated on his achievement. This book offers both a thoughtful and scholarly analysis of existing literature in psychoanalysis, attachment theory and neuroscience on issues of identity and the sense of self. He also develops a new, uniquely Jungian, theoretical perspective on the clinical problems for which our patients seek help, arising from distortions in their sense of identity and illustrates his approach with powerful case material.'
- Dr Jean Knox, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Analytical Psychology, Training Analyst of the SAP

Contents
INTRODUCTION
PART I
CHAPTER ONE The clinical picture
CHAPTER TWO Identity
CHAPTER THREE Affect
CHAPTER FOUR Klein and Bion: projective identification
and the paranoid-schizoid position
CHAPTER FIVE Technique
CHAPTER SIX Jung, the self, and spiritual experience
PART II: PERSONALITY TYPES
CHAPTER SEVEN Narcissism and narcissistic personality types
CHAPTER EIGHT The borderline personality
CHAPTER NINE The hysteric personality
CHAPTER TEN The schizoid personality
REFERENCES
INDEX

The Author 
Marcus West is a Training Analyst of the Society of Analytical Psychology in private practice in Sussex. He was joint winner of the Michael Fordham Prize in 2004 for a paper on which this book is partly based.