This chapter will examine the six steps in sequence, although it must be remembered that either internal or external events may cause the temporary reappearance of one already completed (or aspects of it). Sequential consideration makes for an overall picture of the total treatment process and illustrates the ways in which characteristics of each step often dovetail with those of another. (21 pp.)

Because the subjects in this book are mainly “psychosis-prone” borderline patients, it would be well to discuss at the outset what is meant by borderline personality organization.

I believe that we can see within the general developmental and metapsychological guidelines of Kernberg’s formulation, “psychosis-prone” personality organizations (Gunderson et al. 1975, Boyer 1986), some of which are less stable than others.  (22 pp.)