Obsessive-compulsive Personality and the Personality Continuum with Dr. Shedler
Jan 23, 2023
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Dr. Jonathan Shedler discusses obsessive-compulsive personality traits, the spectrum of personality defenses, and the importance of therapy in integrating reason and emotions. The podcast explores tuning into bodily sensations, transparent communication to uncover emotions, and the impact of shame and transference in psychotherapy. It also delves into therapist-patient dynamics and different subtypes of narcissistic personality.
Personality styles exist on a continuum, not inherently pathological.
Recognizing power struggles crucial in therapy with patients having OCPD.
Importance of therapists recognizing countertransference for understanding patients' conflicts.
Deep dives
Recognizing Personality Patterns
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the concept of personality patterns that arise from psychoanalytic psychology. These patterns are not inherently pathological, but rather reflect who a person is at their core. The speaker emphasizes that personality styles exist on a continuum, with disorders being extreme and rigid versions of certain styles. The speaker criticizes the DSM for labeling personality styles as disorders, which has led many clinicians to overlook the importance of personality in therapy. They stress the significance of recognizing and understanding these patterns in order to effectively work with patients.
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Personality
The podcast delves into the characteristics of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), noting that the term 'personality' refers to who a person is rather than a disorder they have. The speaker explains that individuals with OCPD are often conscientious, meticulous, and focused on thinking over emotions. They tend to struggle with control and submission, as well as the fear of punishment or retaliation. The speaker highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the power struggles that may arise in therapy with patients exhibiting OCPD.
The Role of Transference and Countertransference
The podcast explores the concept of transference in therapy, particularly for individuals with OCPD. The speaker explains that patients may bring their patterns and lenses into the therapeutic relationship, which can manifest as submissiveness or opposition. They discuss how countertransference plays a role in therapists' reactions to these patterns, such as frustration or feeling off-balance. They emphasize the importance of therapists recognizing and exploring their countertransference as a means of understanding the patient's underlying conflicts and dynamics.
The Value of Interpersonal Work
The podcast highlights the significance of working within the interpersonal realm of therapy, rather than focusing solely on specific interventions or techniques. They discuss how the therapeutic relationship provides a unique opportunity to explore and address the patient's relational patterns and dynamics. The speaker emphasizes the need for therapists to pay attention to their countertransference and use it as a communication channel for understanding the patient's experiences and struggles. They encourage therapists to invite patients into a collaborative exploration of the relationship, allowing for deeper insight and potential therapeutic growth.
Applying the Concepts to Narcissistic Personality
While the podcast primarily focuses on OCPD, the speaker briefly mentions that similar dynamics and transference patterns can arise with narcissistic personality. They touch on the idealization and devaluation that may occur in the therapeutic relationship with individuals exhibiting narcissistic traits. The speaker suggests that recognizing countertransference and discussing it with the patient can shed light on their underlying conflicts and contribute to effective therapy.
For over a century, psychoanalytic psychology has recognized certain types of personality configurations that we see repeatedly. A clinician who understands these familiar patterns has a map of the patient’s interior terrain to help navigate treatment. In today’s episode of the podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jonathan Shedler to discuss obsessive-compulsive personality and the continuum on which personalities operate.
