Herta A. Guttman

Transference and countertransference in conjoint couple therapy: therapeutic and theoretical implications.

This paper reviews and illustrates the importance of transference and countertransference phenomena in the triangular situation of couple therapy, which always reawakens non-sexualized and sexualized feelings and reactions in both spouses and in the therapist. Variants of each type of reaction are presented and some possibilities for their management are discussed. The theoretical implications and difficulties presented by transference phenomena in couple therapy are discussed.

The new androgyny: therapy of "liberated" couples.

Under the impact of womens liberation, many couples are seeking to develop relationships in which roles are less sex-linked and more androgynous. To help such couples and their families, therapists must re-examine and modify their own sexist preconceptions. However, to be effective even the most “liberated” therapist and couple must distinguish between problems arising from sexism and from each members personal history and psychodynamics.

Book Review: Personality Disorders: Major Theories of Personality DisorderPersonality Disorders Major Theories of Personality DisorderLenzenwegerMark E, ClarkinJohn E, editors. New York (NY): Guilford Press; 2005. 464 p. US

This is a comprehensive reference book that tells you everything you want to know about the current study of personality disorders. In an introductory chapter, the editors review the major areas of controversy and indicate that the 7 succeeding chapters, each authored by an expert, will address these issues from the standpoint of a given theory. This includes the historical foundation of each theory, the developmental and etiologic evidence for each theory, the taxonomy of personality disorders according to the theory, and whether the theory successfully articulates what is known about the psychological, biological, and behavioural aspects of personality disorders. Personality disorders are then considered according to cognitive theory, psychoanalytic theory, interpersonal theory, an attachment model, integrative interpersonal theory, personology, and a neurobehavioral dimensional model.