Self Psychology: An Introduction

This comprehensive, introductory text makes 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 lucidly explains self object concept and why it is at the core of the self psychological vision of human experience. The book also covers how self psychology conceives of psychological growth, therapeutic action, and psychopathology and offers valuable guidance for the clinician who puts self psychological treatment into practice.


About the Author
Peter Lessem is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist in New York City. He has been in practice over twenty-five years treating adults, adolescents, and couples. He is on the faculty of the Institute for the Psychoanalytic Study of Subjectivity, the National Institute of the Psychotherapies, and the Professional Psychoanalytic Study Center. He is married and has a daughter and stepson.