The Power of the Inner Judge

"This book describes in detail how to effectively treat severely ill but not psychotic patients, by careful psychotherapeutic work on the defenses and the superego. Diverging widely from Kernberg's and Kohut's work with the same broad spectrum of patients, Leon Wurmser demonstrates his flexible and individualized method with clinical material taken directly from actual patient-therapist interaction.

The core of the therapeutic work focuses on trauma; forms of defense; conflicts within the super-ego; and the related affects of guilt, shame, depression, and resentment. Appreciating the complex and individual nature of each case, the author uses the familiar concepts of masochism, aggression, narcissism, and repetition compulsion as descriptions, not explanations, of clinical observations.

There are no shortcuts; a genuine understanding that results in real change for the patient requires an in-depth exploration of the material in a nonjudgmental atmosphere."--BOOK JACKET.