Differentiating the ego-personality and internal other in art psychotherapy with patients with Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

This paper was originally given as a presentation at the Cassel Hospital in London on 25 May 2005. The paper outlines internal dynamics particular to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and elaborates on Jung's ideas around the use of myth. The biblical story of Adam and Eve is described as an accurate constellation of behaviours and relationships that maps out the significant vulnerabilities in Borderline Personality Disorder. There are several extracts taken from art psychotherapy sessions that illustrate persuasions from an ‘internal other’ that disrupt the capacity for the patient to relate to the therapist.