The author discusses splitting, the segregation of multiple inner
schemata of self and others, from the points of view of cognitive
structure, cognitive process, anad interpersonal transaction. A case
example illustrates how one borderline patient shifted fluidly during
therapy among four isolated and sometimes incompatible representations of
the doctor-patient relationship. The author concludes that therapists
working with borderline patients must be aware of atypical transference
patterns and may have to introduce, as a special nuance of therapy, work to
stabilize patients' realistic self- and therapist images before offering
interpretations.
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