Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy Flashcards
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy
Theory of Change
Change occurs through empathetic attunement and strengthening the self-structures through optimal responsiveness.
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy
Role of the Therapist
- Emphasis on empathetic understanding and optimal responsiveness
- Allows emergence of self-object transferences and the repair of disruptions
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy
Treatment Goals
- Developing self-cohesion and self-esteem.
* Locating better self objects
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy - Key Concepts
Self Objects
Early self-objects are those empathetic or attuned caretakers who perform vital functions for the infant that it cannot carry out itself
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy - Key Concepts
Self-Object Needs
Mirroring, idealization of others, twin/alter ego
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy - Key Concepts
Mirroring
Approving and confirming responses
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy - Key Concepts
Optimal Frustration
When a self-object is needed, but not accessible, this will create a potential problem for the self, referred to as a “frustration”
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy - Key Concepts
Mirroring Transference
The patient seeks acceptance and confirmation of the self
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy - Key Concepts
Twinship Transference
The patient experiences the therapist as someone like himself
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy - Key Concepts
Idealizing Transference
The patient looks up to and admires the therapist
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy - Key Concepts
Adversarial Transference
The need for a supportive relationship that the
patient can oppose in order to grow
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy - Key Concepts
Experience-Near Empathy
When therapist steps into client’s shoes and
imagines what it is like to be the client
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy
Phases of Treatment/Intervention
Early
Establish a therapeutic holding environment. Demonstrate that the therapist is able to provide containment. Provide “experience-near” empathy. Explore client’s problem and history.
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy
Phases of Treatment/Intervention
Middle
Repair disruptions of the self-object transference. Addressing enactments. Empathizing with losses and blows to self. Mourning loss of self-objects. Mourning ambitions and fantasies. Identify alternative self-objects.
Self Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy
Phases of Treatment/Intervention
End
Reflect on treatment process. Acknowledge and process issues related to
termination.
