Treating the Self: Elements of Clinical Self Psychology

I purchased a “very good” copy that presented more like an “acceptable” one at best: dozens of pages marked to excess.

This is a good book, to refer to for clarification, but not one to read for a quick understanding of self psychology. The verbage is stuffy but it does have some useful information.

This book, by one of Heinz Kohut's closest collaborators, is an authoritative description of self psychology. Self psychology theory, which includes the discovery of the role of empathy in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and the fundamental experiential needs of the self, has led to a completely new understanding of how psychoanalysis and psychotherapy promote growth, change and health. Treating the Self is clear, comprehensive yet comprehensible, and true to the depth and meaning of clinical psychoanalytic self psychology theory. There are two main sections, theoretical and clinical. Together they provide a solid foundation in self psychology theory and treatment for the practicing therapist, whether novice or experienced. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Kohut's psychoanalytic self psychology.