ABSTRACT
Like many diagnostic concepts in psychiatry, that of 'personality disorder' is often used rather loosely. Usually the term refers to psychopathology that pervades the personality and which renders psychological therapy of whatever kind, difficult or prolonged. Whilst psychodynamic conflicts between opposing wishes and fears are ubiquitous, and psychological reversals are found more on than not in relation to a client’s presenting problems, there is an additional quality observable in those who may be described as suffering with personality disorders. It will also be necessary to clear the perturbations and energetic residues associated with the traumas and adverse experiences that have given rise to the dysfunctional core beliefs. Deep reversals are usually involved where there are complex dysfunctional patterns in a person’s life. Without resolution of these, the pattern will inevitably recur despite temporary apparent improvements. Mentalization is the capacity to interpret one’s own and other’s behaviour in terms of underlying mental states.
