Personality and Wholeness in Therapy

At the heart of the fascinating approach presented in this book is what the authors call patterns of developmental pathways. They root these pathways in an ancient model of individual differences called the Enneagram, which suggested nine dimensions for personality. Dr. Siegel and the PDP Group collapse these into three domains of agency, bonding, and certainty, linking them to evolved motivational systems and neurobiological infrastructures. These three domains are subject to various genetic and social-contextual influences, giving rise to nine different patterns of personality and, importantly, different ways of helping people. As with so much of Siegel’s writing, here we are provided with scholarly and fascinating new insights, as well as wisdoms to consider when empathically engaging with clients and seeking to help them. Much to savor and learn from.–Paul Gilbert, PhD, author of The Compassionate Mind and Living Like Crazy

Daniel J. Siegel, MD, is a noted neuropsychiatrist, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, and executive director of the Mindsight Institute in LA. He is founding editor of the Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology.

The PDP Group includes Laura Baker, PhD, Professor of Psychology at University of Southern California, David Daniels, MD, late psychiatrist and clinical professor at Stanford, Denise Daniels, PhD, psychologist and author, and Jack Killen, MD, a research physician.