Psychic Retreats: Pathological Organizations in Psychotic, Neurotic and Borderline Patients
Book •
John Steiner's work introduces the concept of psychic retreats—internal defensive enclaves patients create to withdraw from anxiety and interpersonal contact.
The book integrates clinical case material with theoretical discussion to illustrate how retreats function across psychotic, neurotic, and borderline organizations.
Steiner offers a framework for recognizing and working with these retreats in analytic treatment, including strategies to avoid rupturing fragile defenses.
The text is influential in understanding severe psychopathology and guiding therapeutic technique.
It remains a key resource for clinicians treating patients who resist symbolic integration.
The book integrates clinical case material with theoretical discussion to illustrate how retreats function across psychotic, neurotic, and borderline organizations.
Steiner offers a framework for recognizing and working with these retreats in analytic treatment, including strategies to avoid rupturing fragile defenses.
The text is influential in understanding severe psychopathology and guiding therapeutic technique.
It remains a key resource for clinicians treating patients who resist symbolic integration.
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Listed in the episode description as recommended reading about pathological organizations relevant to difficult patients.
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