Psychoanalytic Case Formulation

What kinds of questions do experienced therapists ask themselves when facing a new client? How can clinical expertise be taught? From the author of the landmark Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, this book takes clinicians step-by- step through developing an understanding of each client's unique psychology and using this information to guide and inform treatment decisions. McWilliams shows that while seasoned practitioners rely upon established diagnostic categories for record-keeping and insurance purposes, their actual clinical concepts and practices reflect more inferential, subjective, and intuitive processes. Interweaving illustrative case examples with theoretical insights and clinically significant research, chapters cover assessment of client temperament, developmental issues, defenses, affects, identifications, relational patterns, self-esteem needs, and pathogenic beliefs.

Winner--Gradiva Award, National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis

“"It is a pleasure to review Dr. McWilliams' second book, which nicely complements diagnosis....Dr. McWilliams has the knack of being profound without being heavy; within this text one finds the incisively written, well thought-out observations of a seasoned and compassionate practitioner."--The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry "Psychoanalytic Case Formulationis aimed at both the student who may not have had a lot of exposure to psychoanalytic ideas as well as the more seasoned clinician. Chapters cover assessing what cannot be changed; developmental issues, defences, affects, identifications, relationships, self esteem needs and pathogenic beliefs. Each chapter concludes with a concise summary of key points....This book is highly readable and describes patients and situations that can be readily identified. I am sure that it will find a comfortable home on the bookshelves of many experienced clinicians and particularly those learning the art of psychotherapy."--Australasian Journal of Psychotherapy "Her straightforward language, as illustrated in her title choices, makes the book user-friendly for even the most junior student. Her introductory chapter, with its excellent overview of the goals of psychoanalytic therapy, could be a very useful section for teachers, particularly of psychiatric residents. Her review of developmental theory in chapter 4 is comprehensive and easy to digest. The entire book has an informal, chatty style reminiscent of a seminar, and McWilliams generously includes examples drawn from her life and practice."--Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association(JAPA)”

Books by Nancy McWilliams used in unison make the best psychodynamic resources I have yet encountered in more than 60 years in the field.--Robert C. Lane, PhD, Department of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University

This beautifully written, uniquely accessible guide to the psychoanalytic understanding of clinical cases will be of immense value to students and practitioners of all theoretical persuasions. I predict it will be among the most important and widely used books in this field for years to come. --George E. Atwood, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey

Psychoanalytic Case Formulation is a worthy successor to Psychoanalytic Diagnosis. Nancy McWilliams has a pellucid writing style that brings complex concepts within the easy grasp of the reader. She has produced a book that is intelligently psychoanalytic without being restricted to any single vision of psychoanalysis. The critical concepts are developed well and the issues important to assessment--a concept that goes well beyond diagnosis--are explicated clearly and helpfully. This is a rare book that can serve as a text for beginning students and still has much to offer to accomplished professionals. --George Stricker, PhD, The Derner Institute, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY

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Nancy McWilliams, PhD, ABPP, is Visiting Professor Emerita in the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and has a private practice in Lambertville, New Jersey. She is author of Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, Second Edition; Psychoanalytic Case Formulation; Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy; and Psychoanalytic Supervision; and is coeditor of Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual, Second Edition. She is a past president of the Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology, Division 39 of the American Psychological Association (APA), and is on the editorial board of Psychoanalytic Psychology. A graduate of the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis, Dr. McWilliams is also affiliated with the Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis of New Jersey, and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. She is the recipient of honors including the Gradiva Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis; the Goethe Scholarship Award from the Section on Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Psychology of the Canadian Psychological Association; the Rosalee Weiss Award from the Division of Independent Practitioners of the APA; the Laughlin Distinguished Teacher Award from the American Society of Psychoanalytic Physicians; the Hans H. Strupp Award from the Appalachian Psychoanalytic Society; and the International, Leadership, and Scholarship Awards from APA Division 39. Dr. McWilliams is an honorary member of the American Psychoanalytic Association, the Moscow Psychoanalytic Society, the Institute for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy of Turin, Italy, and the Warsaw Scientific Association for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Her writings have been translated into 20 languages.

This invaluable book shows that while seasoned practitioners rely upon established diagnostic categories for record-keeping, their actual clinical concepts and practices reflect more inferential, subjective, and intuitive processes. From the author of the landmark text Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, the volume takes clinicians step-by-step through developing a dynamic case formulation and using this information to guide and inform treatment decisions. Synthesizing extensive clinical literature, diverse psychoanalytic viewpoints, and empirical research in psychology and psychiatry, McWilliams brings assessment to life and illuminates the entire psychotherapeutic process.

This invaluable book shows that while seasoned practitioners rely upon established diagnostic categories for record-keeping, their actual clinical concepts and practices reflect more inferential, subjective, and intuitive processes. From the author of the landmark text Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, the volume takes clinicians step-by-step through developing a dynamic case formulation and using this information to guide and inform treatment decisions. Synthesizing extensive clinical literature, diverse psychoanalytic viewpoints, and empirical research in psychology and psychiatry, McWilliams brings assessment to life and illuminates the entire psychotherapeutic process.

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