In our culture we demand a great deal from our intimate relationships—and we are often disappointed. This book not only reveals the social and psychological factors that lead to marital unhappiness, but also offers guidelines for change. Solomon starts by uncovering certain pervasive narcissistic myths and exploring what it means to be intimate in a culture that values autonomy and self-fulfillment above all. She shows that experiences in early chidhood can lead to narcissistic vulnerability in later relationships. Case examples from her practice clarify how two individuals' feeling states and defenses mesh in the marital system and how the attempt to defend against emotional injury creates barriers to intimacy. The second part of the book focuses on treatment and on ways to change. --- from the publisher Reviews: "Marion Solomon's wisdom and warm humanity, together with her wide understanding and successful integration of systems ideas with both American mainstream and British object relations psychoanalytic thought and technique, make this book vital reading for all those concerned with the restoration and improvement of couple relationships in this 'age of confusion.' Her elegant style and her ability to present complex issues in simple language without 'writing down' make it a pleasure to read. I recommend it heartily." —A. C. Robin Skynner, M.D., The Group-Analytic Practice, London "A uniquely well-articulated and scholarly exploration of the complexities of narcissism. In clarifying the relevance of difficult theoretical concepts to interpersonal relationships, Solomon has written a 'must' book for clinicians who work with couples and families." —Althea Horner, Ph.D., author of Object Relations and the Developing Ego in Therapy About the Author: Marion F. Solomon, Ph.D., who has a private practice in psychodynamic marital therapy, is director of clinical training, Continuing Education Seminars, in Los Angeles, and coordinator of psychoanalytic training programs, Department of Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences, UCLA Extension. |