itsepsykologia

Itsepsykologia is a Finnish term that translates to "self-psychology." It refers to a school of thought within psychoanalysis that emerged from the work of Heinz Kohut. Kohut's theory emphasizes the development of the self and the importance of self-objects in this process. Self-objects are individuals or experiences that facilitate the development of a cohesive and stable sense of self. These can include caregivers who provide mirroring (acknowledging and validating the child's feelings), idealization (allowing the child to admire and internalize strengths), and twinship (providing a sense of belonging and similarity).

The core idea of itsepsykologia is that psychological difficulties, such as narcissism, depression, and anxiety, often stem from disruptions in early self-object experiences. These disruptions can lead to deficits in the self, such as a lack of self-esteem, a fragile sense of identity, or an inability to regulate emotions. In therapeutic settings, the analyst aims to provide optimal frustration and empathic engagement, allowing the patient to re-experience and re-work early self-object deficits. The goal is to foster the development of a stronger, more integrated self. Itsepsykologia offers a different perspective on psychopathology, focusing on the needs of the self rather than solely on intrapsychic conflict. It has influenced various fields beyond psychoanalysis, including developmental psychology and psychotherapy.