Books like Split self/split object by Philip Manfield

In this seminal 1960 work, psychiatrist R. D. Laing uses clinical case studies to argue that psychosis arises from a split within the self, contrasting the authentic private identity with the socially constructed ‘sane’ persona.

The memoir follows two identical twin sisters—one a schizophrenic, the other a psychiatrist—exploring how the illness of one reshapes their relationship and forces the other to step beyond her shadow.

The authors synthesize traditional and Ericksonian styles of hypnosis in practical methods that work consistently within their four-stage model of treatment. Detailed instructions are given for utilizing hypnotherapeutic techniques for beginning treatment, ego strengthening, uncovering and abreaction, the reworking of uncovered material, the facilitation of the integrative process, the creation of a new identity, and the enhancement of spiritual development. Close attention is given to common pitfalls of therapy and how to avoid them, as well as how to deal with them effectively when they occur. The book is rich in clinical examples that illustrate the methods used. The authors have carefully considered the integration of various hypnotherapeutic techniques and the patient's internal resources with valuable external resources. The roles of adjunctive therapies, such as medication and hospitalization, body-oriented therapies, family and group approaches, and support groups, in the implementation of the treatment plan are thoroughly explored. Psychotherapy combined with hypnotic techniques is believed by many to be the treatment of choice today in working with dissociative patients. Unless therapists are adequately trained in the appropriate uses of hypnotic approaches when working with traumatic memory material, this can be a territory fraught with danger. Phillips and Frederick give readers both a map and a guidebook for this challenging journey in Healing the Divided Self.