ABSTRACT

Character structures underlie everyone’s personality. When rigidly defended, they limit us; yet as they become more flexible, they can reveal sources of animation, renewal and authenticity. 

The Matrix and Meaning of Character guides the reader into an awareness of the archetypal depths that underlie character structures, presenting an original developmental model in which current analytic theories are synthesised. The authors examine nine character structures, animating them with fairy tales, mythic images and case material, creating a bridge between the traditional language of psychopathology and the universal realm of image and symbol.

This book will appeal to all analytical psychologists, psychoanalysts and psychotherapists who want to strengthen their clinical expertise.  It will help clinicians to extend their clinical insights beyond a strictly behavioural, medical or cognitive approach, revealing the potential of the human spirit.

chapter |20 pages

Introduction

The Matrix from which character emerges

part I|83 pages

The withdrawing pattern

chapter 1|29 pages

Schizoid character structure

Encapsulated in ice

chapter 2|26 pages

Counter-dependent narcissistic character structure

Independence in a glass coffin

chapter 3|25 pages

Obsessive-compulsive character structure

For the perfectly tidy, the wolf stands hungry at the door

part II|74 pages

The seeking pattern

chapter 4|26 pages

Borderline character structure

Agony and ecstasy

chapter 5|23 pages

Dependent narcissistic character structure

Dependence in the service of connection

chapter 6|22 pages

Hysteric character structure

The golden promise

part III|79 pages

The antagonistic pattern

chapter 7|29 pages

Psychopathic character structure

Culling the herd, dominance, control, and predation

chapter 8|24 pages

Alpha narcissistic character structure

On top, yet always under siege

chapter 9|23 pages

Passive-aggressive character structure

The Tar-Baby beckons

chapter |5 pages

Conclusion