The Clinical Problem of Masochism

Contributions by Marvin Margolis MD, Harold P. Blum, Stanley J. Cohen, Dianne Elise Ph.D., Glen O. Gabbard M.D., Robert Alan Glick, Otto Kernberg M.D., Henry Markman, Jack Novick, Kerry Kelly Novick, Anna Ornstein, Alan Sugarman, Nancy Kulish, Deanna Holtzman Edited by Deanna Holtzman, Nancy Kulish

Publication date:

18 October 2012

Length of book:

220 pages

Publisher

Jason Aronson, Inc.

ISBN-13: 9780765708601

The problem of how to understand and to treat masochism has plagued the vast majority of clinicians. The Clinical Problem of Masochism, edited by Deanna Holtzman, PhD, and Nancy Kulish, PhD, focuses on the common and difficult clinical problems posed by masochistic patients who are spread throughout all diagnostic categories. Foremost psychoanalytic clinicians in the field from various theoretical backgrounds demonstrate their approaches to working clinically with these problems. Each expert provides detailed clinical examples, making their approaches and suggestions come alive. This volume, unique in its varied clinical and practical focus, offers therapists of all theoretical persuasions ideas on how to think about and help individuals suffering from masochistic difficulties.

Dedication
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Introduction: The Suffering of Sisyphus
Deanna Holtzman PhD and Nancy Kulish PhD
Chapter 2. Clinical Constellations of Masochistic Psychopathology
Otto F. Kernberg, MD
Chapter 3. Masochism in Childhood and Adolescence as a Self-Regulatory Disorder
Alan Sugarman, Ph. D
Chapter 4. Some Suggestions for Engaging with the Clinical Problem of Masochism
Kerry Kelly Novick and Jack Novick Ph.D
Chapter 5. Clinical Observations on Masochistic Character Structure
Robert Alan Glick MD
Chapter 6.Sadomasochistic Stuckness.
Stanley J. Coen M. D.
Chapter 7.Masochism as a Multiply-Determined Phenomenon
Glen O. Gabbard MD
Chapter 8. Self-abuse and Suicidality; Clinical Manifestations of Chronic Narcissistic Rage
Anna Ornstein
Chapter 9. Varieties of Masochistic Experience—Modes of Analytic Relating
Henry Markman M.D.
Chapter 10. Masochism and Trauma
Harold P. Blum MD
Chapter 11. Failure to Thrive: Shame, Inhibition and Masochistic Submission in Women
Dianne Elise Ph.D.
Chapter 12.Analysts Who Have Sexual Relations with Their Patients – The Central Role of Masochism
Marvin Margolis MD, PhD
Chapter 13. Conclusion
Deanna Holtzman PhD and Nancy Kulish PhD
About the Authors

Masochism is explored by contemporary psychoanalytic thinkers in a nuanced and complex fashion. Clinicians will find many ideas about the meaning and function of masochism relevant to their work with patients. The book is filled with case studies that provide helpful examples of interventions that can free patient-clinician pairs from treatment impasses.