Abstract
The recent interest in the diagnosis and treatment of the Borderline patient, (Kernberg, 1975a; Meissner, 1978) has encouraged modifications of technique in the psychoanalytic psychotherapy of these patients. One such modification has been the therapeutic use of transference/countertransferenceparadigms, along with a more active, confrontative emphasis. In the paper, the author outlines an active approach, which includes the exploration of transference/'countertransference paradigms, along with two active techniques: "Active Attention" (Mendelsohn, 1978) and "Focusing" (Malan, 1963). These variations of psychoanalytic technique are of particular relevance to more active forms of psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy, such as psychoanalytic short-term psychotherapy. The paper presents a review of the Borderline Personality Organization as a clinical entity, along with an exploration of the difficult psychodiagnostic, dynamic and intervention issues which the Borderline patient presents. The use of "Active Attention" and "Focusing" on the transference/countertransference is suggested; and clinical material which highlights these procedures is included. Finally, the contraindications of an active approach to the treatment of the Borderline patient are summarized.