
Publication date:
12 May 2005Length of book:
288 pagesPublisher
Jason Aronson, Inc.Dimensions:
232x155mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780765703804
This comprehensive, introductory text makes the concepts of self psychology accessible for students and clinicians. It begins with an overview of the development of Kohut's ideas, particularly those on narcissism and narcissistic development and explains the self object concept that is at the core of the self psychological vision of human experience. It also includes brief overviews, of the allied theoretical perspectives of intersubjectivity and motivational systems theory. Numerous clinical vignettes are furnished to illustrate theoretical concepts as well as one continuous case vignette that is woven throughout the book.
Peter 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.