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