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One Case, Four Theories
Author(s) -
VanDerHeide Nancy
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04358.x
Subject(s) - psychoanalytic theory , psychodynamics , psychoanalysis , object relations theory , self psychology , psychotherapist , psychology , active listening , psychodynamic psychotherapy , subjectivity , intersubjectivity , empathy , epistemology , philosophy , social psychology
In this chapter, clinical material illustrates key theoretical concepts and underscores the value of Heinz Kohut's radical approach to psychoanalysis. The psychodynamic treatment of “Matthew” spans over a decade and traces the therapist's immersion in four clinical modalities. The transition from Kleinian and British object relations orientations to a therapeutic style informed by psychoanalytic self psychology and intersubjective systems theory broke through impasses generated in the earlier chapters of Matthew's therapy. The empathic listening stance, the impact of the analyst's subjectivity on the treatment's progress, and the vital role of selfobject experiences in the development, restoration, and maintenance of an individual's sense of self constitute a few of the crucial and enduring curative elements brought to the field of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy by Kohut's pioneering efforts.