Transcending the Self An Object Relations Model of Psychoanalytic Therapy

"In this very thoughtful and important work, Frank Summers presents a unique integration of ego psychological and relational theories and then, relying on several extended clinical examples, demonstrates the implications of this integrative viewpoint for understanding the nature of therapeutic action in psychoanalytic therapy with a wide range of patients.  Highly recommended as both a theoretical and clinical contribution."

- Sidney J. Blatt, Ph.D., Yale University

"Dr. Summers presents us with a new paradigm for psychoanalytic technique that is most welcome at this time.  He uses in-depth clinical case illustrations to compare the relevant ideas of ego psychology, relational psychoanalysis,  and object relations theories, and then creatively adds his own stamp in the form of his astute appreciation of "transference."  His notion of self-transcendence calls to mind Michelangelo's remark that, in creating a sculpture, he simply cut away excess marble in order to free the image he always knew was there.  To this simile, Dr. Summers adds the clinical insight that the analysand's latent potential, as it becomes freed from its symptom signifiers, becomes an enthusiastic coparticipant in the transcending process.  This very worthwhile contribution to the technique of psychoanalytic therapy is warmly recommended to all mental health professionals."

- James S. Grotstein, M.D., Training and Supervising Analyst, Los Angeles Psychoanalytic Institute