Relaxation and merging in the treatment of personality disorders

A behavioral intervention specifically designed to merge split self-representations was found helpful as an adjunct to the psychotherapy of personality-disordered patients. The method, which is introduced only after signs of split self-representation have been identified through exploratory psychotherapy, consists of a series of steps. Patients are first taught a relaxation technique and are asked to practice at home. Once they are able to relax in the session, they are asked for visual images of first one and then another of the conflicting self-representations. After clear images have been elicited and discussed, they are encouraged to merge them. Finally, they are asked "Who's watching" or some similar question designed to elicit a statement about a unified self. Twenty-four of 27 patients meeting criteria for personality disorders in Clusters B and C of DSM-III-R responded with greater compliance, reduced resistance, and improved relationships at work and elsewhere. Comparison is made to the merging intervention commonly used in the treatment of Multiple Personality Disorder.