The Dissociative Mind

Drawing on the pioneering work of Janet, Freud, Sullivan, and Fairbairn and making extensive use of recent literature on dissociated experiences and states, Elizabeth Howell develops a comprehensive model of the dissociative mind. Dissociation, for Howell, 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, usually loved, 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, is a subtype of the more general process; it results when the psyche is overwhelmed by trauma and signals the collapse of relationality and an addictive clinging to dissociative solutions. Of special note is Howell's discerning use of attachment theory. She examines the relationship of segregated models of attachment, disorganized attachment, mentalization, and defensive exclusion (Bowlby) 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. Later chapters of the book examine dissociation in relation to pathological narcissism; the creation and reproduction of gender; and psychopathy. Elegant in conception, thoughtful in tone, broad and deep in clinical applications, "The Dissociative Mind" takes the reader from neurophysiology to attachment theory to the clinical remediation of trauma states to the reality of evil. It is a masterful overview and creative synthesis of a literature that reaches back to Janet and Freud and extends forward to the writings of Philip Bromberg, Donnel Stern, Anthony Ryle, and others. No less impressive is Howell's sustained effort to understand dissociative processes in terms of attachment concepts and relational theory, which takes theorizing about dissociation to a newly integrative level. The capstone of contemporary understandings of dissociation in relation to development and psychopathology, "The Dissociative Mind" will be an adventure and an education for its many clinical readers.

ISBN 0881634085   Pages 328 ISBN13 9780881634082 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd   Weight (grammes) 566 Imprint Analytic Press,U.S.   Published in Hillsdale Format Hardback   Height (mm) 229 Publication date 07 Dec 2005   Width (mm) 152 Library of Congress RC553   Spine width (mm) 27 DEWEY 616.8523   Academic level Professional / Scholarly DEWEY edition DC22

1. Dissociation: A Model of the Psyche 2. The Self in Context: Unity and Multiplicity 3. Pioneers of Psychodynamic Thinking About Dissociation: Janet, Freud, Ferenczi, and Fairbairn 4. The Interpersonal and Relational Traditions: Sullivan, Bromberg, Davies and Frawley-O'Dea, and Stern 5. Hybrid Models: Ryle's Multiple Self State Model; Van Der Hart, Nijenhuis, and Steele's Theory of the Structural Dissociation of the Personality; Hilgard's Neodissociation Theory; and Somatoform Dissociation 6. Attachment Theory and Dissociation 7. Attachment-Based Dissociation: A Different View of Spliting 8. Projective Identification: Blind Foresight 9. Concepts of Psychic Processes, Defense, and Personality Organization 10. Narcissism: A Relational Aspect of Dissociation 11. "Good Girls," "Sexy Bad Girls," and Warriors: The Role of Trauma and Dissociation in the Creation and Reproduction of Gender 12. The Dissociative Underpinnings of Psychopathy: When the Terrible is True, Not Only Are We Not Safe, But, More Important, We Can No Longer Imagine

"This is a book that makes an important contribution to our understanding of dissociation. It should be read by clinicians and researchers who wish for 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 "...this wonderful, complicated, psychodynamically-based book...lays out the historical foundations and theoretical evolution of psychoanalytic explanations of dissociative adaptations to overwhelming experience, and then proceeds to reformulate them...a very thorough treatment of the many meanings of dissociation. It is an important book. I recommend The Dissociative Mind without reservation." - Melvin A. Gravitz, Ph.D., American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis

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