Affect Regulation, Mentalization, and the Development of Self

Rating:
Summary: A major new approach to diagnosis & theory
Review: Fonagy, et al present a thorough and careful reconsideration of the nature and etiology of psychological symptoms and syndromes. They integrate the latest relational concepts of psychoanalytic thinking with the latest concepts of neuropsychology. The result is both radically new and consistent with the best of the foundations of psychoanalyis (Pierre Janet's 19th century understanding of the role of trauma; Freud's pre-recantation focus on trauma).

The writing varies from chapter to chapter, apparently with different authors (not identified by chapter). It is consistently relevant and worthwhile, but some chapters are clearly written and easy to follow, while others are a bit turgid and require dedicated attention.

Rating:
Summary: A major new approach to diagnosis & theory
Review: Fonagy, et al present a thorough and careful reconsideration of the nature and etiology of psychological symptoms and syndromes. They integrate the latest relational concepts of psychoanalytic thinking with the latest concepts of neuropsychology. The result is both radically new and consistent with the best of the foundations of psychoanalyis (Pierre Janet's 19th century understanding of the role of trauma; Freud's pre-recantation focus on trauma).

The writing varies from chapter to chapter, apparently with different authors (not identified by chapter). It is consistently relevant and worthwhile, but some chapters are clearly written and easy to follow, while others are a bit turgid and require dedicated attention.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: Mainstream psychoanalytic writing does not get any clearer, more useful, or more compassionate than this sober, rigorous examination of attachment theory and theory of mind in light of well-known psychoanalytic ideas. A masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: changing the way we think of infant-parent interactions
Review: This book and this theory provide a comprehensive framework for understanding both infant/human development AND infant-parent relationships. More importantly, the book suggests what exactly it is that clinicians are or strive to be doing as they implement infant-parent psychotherapy and other infant mental health interventions with high risk families. This book brought together years of my own self-study in IMH, helping me develop an integrated framework for my work with families of young children. Actually, this framework impacts the work I do with people of all ages. It helps me define what clinical practice is.