Selfpsychology

Self psychology is a psychoanalytic theory developed by Heinz Kohut in the mid-20th century. It emerged as a departure from traditional Freudian drive theory, shifting the focus from internal drives and conflicts to the development and maintenance of the self. Kohut proposed that the self is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic structure that develops through interactions with others, particularly primary caregivers.

Central to self psychology is the concept of "selfobjects." These are individuals or experiences that provide essential functions for the self, such as mirroring, idealization, and twinship. Mirroring involves caregivers reflecting back to the child a sense of being seen, understood, and valued. Idealization allows the child to look up to and identify with admired figures. Twinship refers to the feeling of being connected and similar to others.

When these selfobject needs are not adequately met during childhood, individuals may develop "defects" in their self-structure. These can manifest as various psychological difficulties, including a lack of cohesive self, difficulties with self-esteem, and problems with empathy. Self psychological therapy aims to provide a corrective emotional experience by offering empathetic attunement and by helping the patient understand how their selfobject experiences have shaped their sense of self. The therapist acts as a holding environment, facilitating the repair of self deficits and fostering a more robust and integrated self.