Description
Book SynopsisMakes the concepts of self psychology accessible for both students and clinicians. Beginning with an overview of the development of Kohut's ideas, particularly those on narcissism and narcissistic development, the author explains self object concept and why it is at the core of the self psychological vision of human experience.
Trade ReviewPeter Lessem has provided us with an unusually complete text on the development of Kohut’s self psychology and the ongoing evolution of self psychological theory in contemporary times. Erudite and sophisticated Lessem critically assesses self psychological theory and its contributions to psychoanalysis. This book is much more than “an introduction,” its historical elucidation and synthesis of central issues makes it highly valuable for all who are interested in self psychology. -- James L. Fosshage, Ph.D, President, International Association for Psychoanalytic Self Psychology
Working from Kohut's basic ideas, practicing psychoanalytic psychotherapist Lessem provides his particular reading of the theory and practice of self psychology, reflecting both the evolution of its concepts and the internal logic of their relationships to each other. * Scitech Book News *
Readers will be impressed by the ease and coherence with which Peter Lessem covers the breadth of self psychological theory....It is not often that one finds a book within the psychodynamic discipline that so clearly and concisely introduces both the origins and contemporary qualities of a clinical theory....This book is more than welcome....This book is excellent for anyone interested in quickly developing a broad understanding of the emergence of self psychology. * Division 39 Newsletter, December 2008 *
Peter Lessem has written a superb and clinician-friendly introduction to self psychology. In its cogent explication of the relationship between new developments in psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice, the book covers not only traditional self psychology but also various contemporary relational-systems approaches as well. It will be of great value to students and trainees and to seasoned practitioners alike. -- Robert D. Stolorow, Ph.D., Co-author, Worlds of Experience
Table of ContentsChapter 1 In the Beginning Chapter 2 The Reformulation of the Concept of Narcissism Chapter 3 The Self and Self Object Concepts Chapter 4 How Seld Psychology Conceives of Psychological Growth and Therapeutic Action Chapter 5 Psychopathology: Disturbance and Disorders of Self Experience Chapter 6 Clinical Process Section Chapter 7 Intersubjectivity Chapter 8 Motivational Systems Theory Chapter 9 Self Psychology's View of Aggression Chapter 10 Self Psychology's Contributions to the Evolution of Psychoanalytic Theory and Practice
