Individual summary

instructions is uploaded separately. Self-Psychology Theory – Theoretical Constructs Main Ideas of Self-Psychology: Developed by psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut in the 1970s Focuses on how a healthy sense of self develops through relationships Key Concepts: Selfobject Needs – People need others to help them feel valued, calm, and understood (Banai et al., 2005). Mirroring – When caregivers reflect a child’s strengths and feelings, it builds confidence and self-worth (Luyten & Fonagy, 2020). Idealizing – Children look up to strong caregivers for comfort and safety. Twinship-The need to feel similar to others and connected. Empathy – Therapy works best when the therapist deeply understands the client’s emotional experience (Luyten & Fonagy, 2020). When these needs are not met, problems with self-esteem and relationships can develop. Brief History of Self-Psychology Self-psychology began in the 1970s as a new approach within psychoanalysis. Kohut believed emotional growth depends more on empathy and relationships than on internal conflict. His ideas shifted psychoanalysis toward relational and attachment-based models (Banai et al., 2005). Over time, research connected self-psychology to attachment theory and emotional regulation (Luyten & Fonagy, 2020). Today, the theory is used in treating personality disorders, trauma, and self-esteem difficulties. References Banai, E., Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2005). “Selfobject” needs in Kohut’s self psychology: Links with attachment, self-cohesion, affect regulation, and adjustment. Psychoanalytic Psychology, 22(2), 224-260. Luyten, P., & Fonagy, P. (2020). The neurobiology of mentalizing and empathy in psychoanalytic theory. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1234. Extra references to add. Readings Goldstein. E.G. (2001). Object Relations and Self Psychology in Social Work Practice. New York, NY: Free Press. Goldstein, E., Miehls, D., & Ringel, S. (2009). Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice: Relational Principles And Techniques. New York, NY: Columbia University Press.