Self Psychology: Moving from Theory to Practice

This book offers an in-depth explanation of the concepts of self psychology and pragmatic steps for recognizing and using these concepts in clinical work, helping clinicians move from theory to practice.

Both early and contemporary concepts in self psychology and intersubjectivity theory are discussed in successive chapters of the book, with illustrative examples drawn from the author’s experience working in diverse settings with a wide range of mental health practitioners. Individual chapters shed light on brief treatment, supervision, interpretation, development, agency and nuances of empathic communication, among other topics.

In addressing these topics, specific tools for conceptualizing clinical data and guidelines for intervention are also described. The emphasis on helping people via a sustained focus on their internal, subjective experience and creating a new selfobject bond with the therapist unifies the chapters in this volume.

With its rich clinical vignettes and accessible language, Self Psychology: Moving from Theory to Practice is also a valuable resource for supervisors and teachers of self psychology, whether in analytic training institutes, graduate schools of psychology, counseling and social work or continuing education programs.

Jill R. Gardner, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Chicago, Illinois, where she has also served as Lecturer and Professional Development Program faculty at the University of Chicago.