Self Psychology (Kohut)
Self Psychology (Kohut)
A theory created by Heinz Kohut that emphasizes the development of a healthy self, forming the foundation of his therapeutic approach.
Details
Self Psychology is a psychodynamic approach developed by Kohut that focuses on the development and maintenance of a healthy 'self.'
Empathic failures (the absence of adequate parental responses) lead to damage of the self, and in therapy, the self is restored through empathic understanding.
This is a critically important theory for understanding narcissistic difficulties. It is an approach that views 'empathy' as the core of therapeutic work — something Mindy finds central to how she connects with clients.
💡 Real-Life Example
A child develops healthy self-esteem through a caregiver's empathic mirroring responses — for instance, a parent genuinely reflecting back the child's excitement and pride, helping the child build a stable sense of self-worth.
This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.