Nancy McWilliams

Last updated
Nancy McWilliams
Ph.D., ABPP.
Born1945 (age 78–79)
Notable work
Alma mater Oberlin College, Brooklyn College, Rutgers University
Scientific career
Fields Psychoanalysis, Psychotherapy, Personality
Institutions Rutgers University
Website https://nancymcwilliams.com
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Nancy McWilliams, Ph.D., ABPP., is emerita visiting professor at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. [1] She has written on personality and psychotherapy. [2] [3] [4]

Contents

McWilliams is a psychoanalytic/dynamic author, teacher, supervisor, and therapist. She has a private practice in psychotherapy and supervision in Lambertville, New Jersey. [5] : 6  She is a former president of the Division of Psychoanalysis (39) of the American Psychological Association (APA). [5] : 6 

Biography

Born in 1945 in Abington, Pennsylvania, she grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, New Canaan, Connecticut, and Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Oberlin College in 1967, with honors in Political Science. Subsequently, she studied psychology at Brooklyn College and then received her Master's and Doctoral degrees from Rutgers University in Psychology (Personality and Social). In 1978 she was licensed as an independent psychologist in New Jersey and also graduated from the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis in New York. Since 2010, she has been Board Certified in Psychoanalysis in Psychology.

In 2011, the American Psychological Association chose her to represent psychoanalytic therapy in the remake of the classic film, Three Approaches to Psychotherapy. In 2015, she was asked to be the plenary speaker at the American Psychological Association convention in Toronto, Canada. She is a member of the Center for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis of New Jersey and an Honorary Member of the American Psychoanalytic Association, the Moscow Psychoanalytic Society, the Institute for Psychoanalytic Therapy in Turin, Italy, and the Warsaw Scientific Association for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. She has given graduation addresses at the Smith College School for Social Work and the Yale University School of Medicine. In the summer of 2016 she was the Erikson Scholar at the Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. In 2016, she taught a course on "The Minister and Mental Health" at Princeton Theological Seminary. Her writings have been translated into 20 languages, [6] and she has taught in 30 countries.

Her areas of specialty include psychoanalytic theories, individual differences, personality, the relationship between psychological diagnosis and treatment, alternatives to DSM diagnostic conventions, integration of feminist theory and psychoanalytic knowledge, and the application of psychoanalytic understanding to the problems of diverse clinical populations.

Psychoanalytic Diagnosis

McWilliams' 1994 book Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, published in a second edition in 2011, is considered by psychoanalysts and psychodynamic psychotherapists to be a classic text on the diagnosis of patients within these theoretical frameworks. [7] It was described by Otto F. Kernberg as serving an "essential function" in educating about a psychoanalytic understanding of personality and personality disorders. [8]

The book criticizes the approach to diagnosis widely adopted in the United States following the publication of the DSM-III in 1980, [5] and instead attempts to develop an alternative approach that mixes elements of classical drive theory, object relations theory, ego psychology, neurobiology, attachment theory, and modern psychodynamic theory in general, often taking a relational perspective. [7] [8] It relates these theoretical considerations to their implications for the practice of psychotherapy.

In contrast to the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual, Psychoanalytic Diagnosis is focused chiefly on personality, and in particular personality disorders. While the book takes an eclectic approach, [7] it does propose a specific diagnostic framework containing nine distinct "types of character organization", namely: [5]

  1. psychopathic personalities, which correspond to antisocial personality disorder in the DSM;
  2. narcissistic personalities, which correspond to narcissistic personality disorder;
  3. schizoid personalities, which encompass schizoid personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder, and relates to schizotypy and the schizophrenia spectrum in general;
  4. paranoid personalities, which correspond to paranoid personality disorder;
  5. depressive and manic personalities, which relate to various DSM diagnoses, including the former depressive personality disorder; [5] : 235 
  6. masochistic or self-defeating personalities, which correspond to the unrecognized self-defeating personality disorder;
  7. obsessive and compulsive personalities, which correspond to obsessive–compulsive personality disorder;
  8. hysterical or histrionic personalities, which correspond to histrionic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder; [9] and
  9. dissociative psychologies, which relate to various psychological phenomena, including derealization, depersonalization, the associated depersonalization–derealization disorder, and in extreme cases, dissociative identity disorder.

These personalities are described in terms of their underlying defense mechanisms, of which the book outlines ten "primary defensive processes" and another fifteen "secondary defensive processes". [5]

Additionally, the book identifies a spectrum of developmental levels of organization, which is partitioned into three sections, namely the neurotic, borderline and psychotic ranges of functioning. [5] Here, "borderline" is used in the sense of Otto Kernberg's borderline personality organization [10] (BPO), which is distinct from what is now usually called borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Publications

McWilliams is the author of several books on psychoanalysis, personality and psychotherapy:

She is also Associate Editor of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual, first published in 2006, [11] and published in a second edition (PDM-2) in 2017:

Awards

Awards include the Gradiva Prize for her second [12] and fourth [13] books, the Rosalee Weiss award for contributions to practice, [14] the Division of Psychoanalysis awards for leadership (2005), [15] scholarship (2012), [15] and international academic excellence (2021), the Laughlin distinguished teacher award, the Goethe Scholarship award, and the Hans Strupp award for teaching, practice and writing.

Related Research Articles

Psychoanalysis is a theory developed by Sigmund Freud. It describes the human soul as an ‘apparatus’ that emerged along the path of evolution and consists mainly of three parts who complement each other in a similar way to the organelles: a set of innate needs, a consciousness that serves to satisfy them, and a memory for the retrievable storage of experiences during made. Further in, it includes insights into the effects of traumatic education and a technique for bringing repressed content back into the realm of consciousness, in particular the diagnostic interpretation of dreams. Overall, psychoanalysis represents a method for the treatment of mental disorders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Borderline personality disorder</span> Personality disorder of emotional instability

Borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive, long-term pattern of significant interpersonal relationship instability, a distorted sense of self, and intense emotional responses. People diagnosed with BPD frequently exhibit self-harming behaviours and engage in risky activities, primarily due to challenges regulating emotional states to a healthy, stable baseline. Symptoms such as dissociation, a pervasive sense of emptiness, and an acute fear of abandonment are prevalent among those affected.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Narcissistic personality disorder</span> Personality disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a life-long pattern of exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a diminished ability to empathize with other people's feelings. Narcissistic personality disorder is one of the sub-types of the broader category known as personality disorders. It is often comorbid with other mental disorders and associated with significant functional impairment and psychosocial disability.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dependent personality disorder</span> Personality disorder

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive psychological dependence on other people. This personality disorder is a long-term condition in which people depend on others to meet their emotional and physical needs. Dependent personality disorder is a cluster C personality disorder, which is characterized by excessive fear and anxiety. It begins prior to early adulthood, and it is present in a variety of contexts and is associated with inadequate functioning. Symptoms can include anything from extreme passivity, devastation or helplessness when relationships end, avoidance of responsibilities, and severe submission.

In psychoanalytic theory, a defence mechanism is an unconscious psychological operation that functions to protect a person from anxiety-producing thoughts and feelings related to internal conflicts and outer stressors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Otto F. Kernberg</span> Austrian psychoanalyst and psychologist

Otto Friedmann Kernberg is an Austrian-born American psychoanalyst and professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. He is most widely known for his psychoanalytic theories on borderline personality organization and narcissistic pathology. In addition, his work has been central in integrating postwar ego psychology with Kleinian and other object relations perspectives. His integrative writings were central to the development of modern object relations, a school within modern psychoanalysis.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalytic psychotherapy are two categories of psychological therapies. Their main purpose is revealing the unconscious content of a client's psyche in an effort to alleviate psychic tension, which is inner conflict within the mind that was created in a situation of extreme stress or emotional hardship, often in the state of distress. The terms "psychoanalytic psychotherapy" and "psychodynamic psychotherapy" are often used interchangeably, but a distinction can be made in practice: though psychodynamic psychotherapy largely relies on psychoanalytical theory, it employs substantially shorter treatment periods than traditional psychoanalytical therapies. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is evidence-based; the effectiveness of psychoanalysis and its relationship to facts is disputed.

<i>Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual</i>

The Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM) is a diagnostic handbook similar to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The PDM was published on May 28, 2006.

Theodore Millon was an American psychologist known for his work on personality disorders. He founded the Journal of Personality Disorders and was the inaugural president of the International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders. In 2008 he was awarded the Gold Medal Award For Life Achievement in the Application of Psychology by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Foundation named the "Theodore Millon Award in Personality Psychology" after him. Millon developed the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, worked on the diagnostic criteria for passive-aggressive personality disorder, worked on editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and developed subtypes of a variety of personality disorders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malignant narcissism</span> Subtype of narcissistic personality disorder

Malignant narcissism is a psychological syndrome comprising a mix of narcissism, antisocial behavior, sadism, and a paranoid outlook on life. Malignant narcissism is not a diagnostic category defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). Rather, it is a subcategory of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) which could also include traits of antisocial personality disorder or paranoid personality disorder.

Compartmentalization is a form of psychological defense mechanism in which thoughts and feelings that seem to conflict are kept separated or isolated from each other in the mind. Those with post traumatic stress disorder may use compartmentalization to separate positive and negative self aspects. It may be a form of mild dissociation; example scenarios that suggest compartmentalization include acting in an isolated moment in a way that logically defies one's own moral code, or dividing one's unpleasant work duties from one's desires to relax. Its purpose is to avoid cognitive dissonance, or the mental discomfort and anxiety caused by a person having conflicting values, cognitions, emotions, beliefs, etc. within themselves.

A spectrum disorder is a disorder that includes a range of linked conditions, sometimes also extending to include singular symptoms and traits. The different elements of a spectrum either have a similar appearance or are thought to be caused by the same underlying mechanism. In either case, a spectrum approach is taken because there appears to be "not a unitary disorder but rather a syndrome composed of subgroups". The spectrum may represent a range of severity, comprising relatively "severe" mental disorders through to relatively "mild and nonclinical deficits".

Transference focused psychotherapy (TFP) is a highly structured, twice-weekly modified psychodynamic treatment based on Otto F. Kernberg's object relations model of borderline personality disorder (BPD). It views the individual with borderline personality organization (BPO) as holding unreconciled and contradictory internalized representations of self and significant others that are affectively charged. The defense against these contradictory internalized object relations leads to disturbed relationships with others and with self. The distorted perceptions of self, others, and associated affects are the focus of treatment as they emerge in the relationship with the therapist (transference). The treatment focuses on the integration of split-off parts of self and object representations, and the consistent interpretation of these distorted perceptions is considered the mechanism of change.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peter Fonagy</span> British psychoanalyst (born 1952)

Peter Fonagy, is a Hungarian-born British psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist. He studied clinical psychology at University College London. He is a Professor of Contemporary Psychoanalysis and Developmental Science Head of the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences at University College London and a training and supervising analyst in the British Psycho-Analytical Society in child and adult analysis. His clinical interests center on issues of borderline psychopathology, violence, and early attachment relationships. He was Chief Executive of the Anna Freud Centre in London until September 2024. His work attempts to integrate empirical research with psychoanalytic theory. He has published over 500 papers, and 270 chapters and has authored 19 and edited 17 books.

Personality disorders (PD) are a class of mental disorders characterized by enduring maladaptive patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience, exhibited across many contexts and deviating from those accepted by the individual's culture. These patterns develop early, are inflexible, and are associated with significant distress or disability. The definitions vary by source and remain a matter of controversy. Official criteria for diagnosing personality disorders are listed in the sixth chapter of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

The mainstay of management of borderline personality disorder is various forms of psychotherapy with medications being found to be of little use.

The Goethe Award for Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Scholarship is given annually by the Section on Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Psychology of the Canadian Psychological Association. The award is given for the best psychoanalytic book published within the past two years and is juried by a peer review process and awards committee.

The Otto Weininger Memorial Award for lifetime achievement is given annually by the Canadian Psychological Association Psychoanalytic Section to a psychoanalytic or psychodynamic psychologist who has demonstrated outstanding clinical, empirical, or theoretical contributions in the areas of psychoanalytic or psychodynamic psychology.

Sidney J. Blatt was a professor emeritus of psychiatry and psychology at Yale University's Department of psychiatry. Blatt was a psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist, empirical researcher and personality theoretician, who made enormous contributions to the understanding of personality development and psychopathology. His wide-ranging areas of scholarship and expertise included clinical assessment, psychoanalysis, cognitive schemas, mental representation, psychopathology, depression, schizophrenia, and the therapeutic process, as well as the history of art. During a long and productive academic career, Blatt published 16 books and nearly 250 articles and developed several extensively used assessment procedures. Blatt died on May 11, 2014, in Hamden, Conn. He was 85.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vittorio Lingiardi</span> Italian psychiatrist and psychoanalyst

Vittorio Lingiardi is an Italian psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Full Professor of Dynamic Psychology and past Director of the Clinical Psychology Specialization Program (2006-2013), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. He has coordinated with Nancy McWilliams the second edition of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual, the PDM-2.

References

  1. ↑ "Rutgers University Faculty and Staff Experts Directory: Nancy McWilliams". rutgers.edu. Rutgers University–New Brunswick . Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  2. ↑ "Results for 'au:McWilliams, Nancy'". worldcat.org. WorldCat . Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  3. ↑ "Nancy Mcwilliams, PhD: Posts by Author". psychiatrictimes.com. Psychiatric Times . Retrieved 28 October 2015.
  4. ↑ "Books Authored - Nancy McWilliams, PhD, ABPP". nancymcwilliams.com. 10 March 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 MacWilliams, Nancy (2020). Psychoanalytic diagnosis: understanding personality structure in the clinical process (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press. ISBN   978-1-60918-494-0.
  6. ↑ McWilliams, Nancy. "Nancy McWilliams, PhD, ABPP | Psychologist-Psychoanalyst-Author". nancymcwilliams.com. Archived from the original on 24 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 Diamond, Diana (2012). "Review of Psychoanalytic diagnosis: Understanding personality structure in the clinical process, second edition". Psychoanalytic Psychology. 29 (4): 494–504. doi:10.1037/a0030405. ISSN   1939-1331.
  8. 1 2 Kernberg, Otto F. (2013). "Psychoanalytic Diagnosis". The International Journal of Psychoanalysis . 94 (6): 1242–1244. doi:10.1111/1745-8315.12007. ISSN   0020-7578. S2CID   142071741.
  9. ↑ Lingiardi, Vittorio; McWilliams, Nancy, eds. (2017). Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual: PDM-2 (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press. p. 44. ISBN   9781462530557.
  10. ↑ Kernberg, Otto (1967). "Borderline Personality Organization". Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association . 15 (3): 641–685. doi:10.1177/000306516701500309. ISSN   0003-0651. PMID   4861171. S2CID   32199139.
  11. ↑ Lingiardi, Vittorio; McWilliams, Nancy, eds. (2006). Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM) (1st ed.). Guilford Press. ISBN   9780976775829.
  12. ↑ "Psychoanalytic Case Formulation". Guilford Press. Retrieved 2023-04-24.
  13. ↑ "National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis (NAAP) 2022 Gravida Award Winners" . Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  14. ↑ "Rosalee G. Weiss Award". Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy. Retrieved 2023-04-24.
  15. 1 2 "Division 39 Membership Services - Awards Committee". div39members.wildapricot.org. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
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