title: The hidden psychotherapeutic dilemma: spouse of the borderline.
abstract: The spouse of the borderline often presents for individual psychotherapy. This patient manifests a variety of ego-defenses and reactions. Several psychotherapeutic themes and strategies are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D004243:Divorce; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012649:Self Concept; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic