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The Dissociative MindStock informationGeneral Fields
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DescriptionDrawing on the pioneering work of Janet, Freud, Sullivan, and Fairbairn and making extensive use of recent literature, Elizabeth Howell develops a comprehensive model of the dissociative mind. Dissociation, for her, suffuses everyday life; it is a relationally structured survival strategy that arises out of the mind's need to allow interaction with frightening but still urgently needed others. For therapists, dissociated self-states are among the everyday fare of clinical work and gain expression in dreams, projective identifications, and enactments. Pathological dissociation, on the other hand, results when the psyche is overwhelmed by trauma and signals the collapse of relationality and an addictive clinging to dissociative solutions.Howell examines the relationship of segregated models of attachment, disorganized attachment, mentalization, and defensive exclusion to dissociative processes in general and to particular kinds of dissociative solutions. Enactments are reframed as unconscious procedural ways of being with others that often result in segregated systems of attachment.Clinical phenomena associated with splitting are assigned to a model of 'attachment-based dissociation' in which alternating dissociated self-states develop along an axis of relational trauma. Reviews"In "The Dissociative Mind", Elizabeth Howell seeks to provide a more substantial integration between psychoanalysis and traumatology and provides a superb inquiry into the question of trauma, dissociation, psychopathology, and the theoretical frameworks that guide our conceptual formulations and modes of clinical practice. Sensitive to concurrent work in trauma studies, neuroscience, attachment theory, defense, and personality structure, this book should be digested slowing for its rich and subtle flavors." - Jon Mills, Ph.D., Psy.D., "Psychologist-Psychoanalyst", Winter 2008 "This is a book that makes an important contribution to our understanding of dissociation. It should be read by clinicians and researchers who wish exposure to the complexities of the dissociative mind." - "PsycCRITIQUES" "Howell's excellent and clearly written book covers both aspects of dissociation. Howell makes excellent use of both her emotional sensitivity and her sharp intellect...read it and discover all it has to offer." - "International Journal of Psychoanalysis" "In sum, "The Dissociative Mind" provides a thorough context for evaluating current dissociation theories. The case descriptions that Howell uses to bring the complex and competing theories to life are true gems. Her book will be of particular interest and benefit to those interested in obtaining an overview of the history of dissociation theory, as well as a description of how dissociation relates to current psychodynamic constructs. As dialogue in the field focuses on the development of integrative models, we anticipate that this book will provide a valued voice that models, drawing on the best the field has to offer to advance dissociation theories." - Anne P. DePrince, Ph.D., and Kristin M. Weinzierl, M.S., University of Denver, taken from "Journal of Trauma and Dissociation", 8.1, 2007 "Elizabeth Howell's book, "The Dissociative Mind", is a long overdue addition to both the traumatological and psychoanalytic literature...Dr. Howell's clear voice is taking its rightful place amongst the leading clinician/theoreticians of our time. I look forward to her future work, and I highly recommend this book to you as essential reading." - Richard Chefetz, M.D., International Society for the Study of Dissociation Author descriptionInternational Society for the Study of Dissociation, USA |