Transforming Trauma: Episode 156

Within psychology, there is ongoing debate about the relationship between complex trauma and personality.  Developed by Dr. James Masterson, the Masterson Approach focuses on the development of personality, the “false self”, and introduced innovative treatment for schizoid, narcissistic and borderline personality disorders.  One therapist believes that genuine inquisitiveness and compassion are requisites for creating an environment where clients can explore their inner world, address personality disruption, and eventually “remove the false self.”

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Dr. William Griffith, Director of The International Masterson Institute in Cape Town, South Africa. The pair discuss foundational aspects of the Masterson Approach, and specifically how trauma affects a client’s persistent dependence on “the false self.”

William also shares insights from his 25-year journey from young psychotherapist to established professional and, finally, head of an esteemed educational program. Having succeeded Dr. Judith Pearson as Director of the International Masterson Institute, William continues to build on her legacy, ensuring the Institute’s creative and empathetic guidance in treating personality disorders. He combines his leadership role at the Institute with an active clinical practice, offering expertise in working with patients who exhibit high-risk behaviors. William has also served on the teaching faculty of multiple South African universities delivering lectures and workshops globally. 

“All three of these character structures (schizoid, narcissistic and borderline personality disorders), presents with a unique split-object relation,” William says, emphasizing the premise of Masterson’s modality. “That self experience presents with different ways in relating or failing in relating with people.” William is sensitive to those relational failures. “We sacrifice a lot of ourselves to become a false self, so to speak,” he confides. “So, the essence, then, of the Masterson approach is to allow the real self to emerge and a person to be hopeful.”

While William admits that the Masterson Approach is a complex theory to distill within the confines of a podcast, he does an excellent job of highlighting its essence. “The aim of the therapy is to remove the defensive part, allow the person to let go of the false self defenses and for the real self to emerge,” he observes, adding, “and for the person to get in contact with that part of themselves that has been lost during his relating since birth.”

As this therapeutic relationship grows, the client is supported to move beyond their false self. “I think the most important thing for the therapist [is] neutrality, for the therapist to sit there and being able to hold the frame, hold the patient,” Willam says. “Masterson gave me a new respect for therapy as a treatment method. And I’ve seen the benefits. I’ve seen people improving, and I’ve seen people reentering life.” He hopes therapists take the time to develop their curiosity and let it guide their practice. “It’s as simple as just sitting there,” he says, “just being there.”

Transforming Trauma thanks William for sharing the Masterson Approach with our community. His dedication to treating personality disorders with compassion and clarity is a gift to clients and clinicians.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Unanswered Self: The Masterson Approach To Healing Of Personality Disorder

GUEST CONTACT & BIO

The International Masterson Institute

William Griffith is a clinical psychologist, with over 25 years of experience in practice and extensive research. Having succeeded Dr. Judith Pearson as Director of the International Masterson Institute, Griffith now continues to build on her legacy, ensuring the Institute’s continued leadership in the treatment of personality disorders. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Griffith combines his leadership role at the Institute with an active clinical practice, offering expertise in working with patients who exhibit high-risk behaviors. Griffith has also served on the teaching faculty of multiple South African universities, delivering lectures and workshops globally. William Griffith is grateful to be doing this work and is still humbled by humanity on a daily basis.