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Title: The White Knight Syndrome - Mary C. Lamia Post by: blackandwhite on January 02, 2012, 10:36:43 AM
Book Description Many of our members are involved in relationships that feel unbalanced--we may be motivated to "help," "rescue," and give too much while at the same time, our efforts seem to cause more problems then they solve. If you find yourself attracted to people who are helpless, vulnerable, or damaged, or feel like you always end up taking care of your romantic partners, you may recognize yourself in one or more of the "white night" descriptions provided in this helpful book, which mixes case studies with information and questions for further thought. As the authors define it, a white knight is a person of either gender who tends to seek out partners who need rescuing. White knights hope to receive admiration, validation (https://bpdfamily.com/content/communication-skills-validation), or love from their partners, but ultimately end up cheating themselves out of emotionally healthy relationships. The White Knight Syndrome aims to help readers:
About the Authors Marilyn J. Krieger, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Marin County, CA. Mary C. Lamia, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in private practice in Marin County, CA. She is also a professor at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. Title: Re: The White Knight Syndrome Post by: puglover on January 05, 2012, 11:03:42 PM OMGee, I remember before my BPD relationship I used to dream of being in a relationship with someone who was a white knight similar to the one in the old Alice In Wonderland movie... and gosh that was an old man! Although back then I never considered it unhealthy! Will this book be helpful for if you also lean on the other end of the scale? I can jump between both in the drama triangle...
Title: Re: The White Knight Syndrome Post by: blackandwhite on January 08, 2012, 03:12:16 PM Hi puglover,
The book covers both the rescuer role and the victim (rescued) role and though it doesn't describe things in terms of the Karpman triangle, that's a lot of what's explored. So yes, I think it would be helpful if you see either yourself or others in your life in any of the victim/rescuer/persecutor roles. There's an emphasis on those who seem to be repeatedly drawn into acting as "rescuer" (or being rescued) in relationships, and the authors connect adult relationships with those the rescuer types and case study individuals experienced as children. It is quite helpful to reveal patterns and the unmet childhood needs you might be trying to meet through an unhealthy partner relationship. One section is called "The Rescuer Who May Also Be the Rescued." The authors have a blog on Psychology Today that gives a good amount of information: www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-white-knight-syndrome/200905/rescuing-yourself-your-need-rescue-others Here is a quote that is worthwhile for many of the members of our disengaging/leaving board: Excerpt Understanding why you continue to ruminate about your partner long after the relationship is over may help you to rescue yourself by imposing damage control so that you won't act out in ways that could hurt yourself. White knight relationships can be highly stimulating emotionally and sexually, and some are intensely dramatic. When the relationship has ended, your brain may seek similar stimulation, and you may crave something to fill the empty space that was occupied by your rescued partner. In your efforts to regain physiological and psychological balance, your search for pleasure and emotional closeness may lead you to engage in risky, promiscuous, or addictive behavior (Goeders 2004). Highly stimulating or intoxicating activities will numb you temporarily but they will not help you to rescue your self. B&W Title: Re: The White Knight Syndrome Post by: puglover on January 08, 2012, 03:25:49 PM Hi puglover, The book covers both the rescuer role and the victim (rescued) role and though it doesn't describe things in terms of the Karpman triangle, that's a lot of what's explored. So yes, I think it would be helpful if you see either yourself or others in your life in any of the victim/rescuer/persecutor roles. There's an emphasis on those who seem to be repeatedly drawn into acting as "rescuer" (or being rescued) in relationships, and the authors connect adult relationships with those the rescuer types and case study individuals experienced as children. It is quite helpful to reveal patterns and the unmet childhood needs you might be trying to meet through an unhealthy partner relationship. One section is called "The Rescuer Who May Also Be the Rescued." The authors have a blog on Psychology Today that gives a good amount of information: www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-white-knight-syndrome/200905/rescuing-yourself-your-need-rescue-others Here is a quote that is worthwhile for many of the members of our disengaging/leaving board: Excerpt Understanding why you continue to ruminate about your partner long after the relationship is over may help you to rescue yourself by imposing damage control so that you won't act out in ways that could hurt yourself. White knight relationships can be highly stimulating emotionally and sexually, and some are intensely dramatic. When the relationship has ended, your brain may seek similar stimulation, and you may crave something to fill the empty space that was occupied by your rescued partner. In your efforts to regain physiological and psychological balance, your search for pleasure and emotional closeness may lead you to engage in risky, promiscuous, or addictive behavior (Goeders 2004). Highly stimulating or intoxicating activities will numb you temporarily but they will not help you to rescue your self. B&W That's a cool website B&W! I'm wondering if they have an Australian version... .would love to get psychology magazines now that I think about it... .or would that being going to much down the roll of playing my own therapist? Thanks for your suggestion on the book will look at getting it... . |