Heinz Kohut's work represents an important departure from the Freudian tradition of psychoanalysis. As one of the founders of the 'self psychology' movement in America, he had an instrumental role in one of the most important developments in psychoanalysis since Freud. Based his practice on the belief that narcissistic vulnerabilities play a significant part in the suffering that brings people for treatment, Kohut evolved an understanding of the theraputic setting, applicable to both psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. However, as Kohut's works were written predominantly for a psychoanalytic audience, they are often difficult to interpret. Proposing that in order to grasp fully the evolution of Kohut's ideas, one must know something about the man and the milieu in which he lived, Dr. Allen Siegel incorporates biographical detail from Kohut's life to aid in the understanding his works. Also included are examples from Siegel's own practice, illustrating ways in which Kohut's innovative theories can be applied to other forms of treatment. Reviews: Self Psychology is a vigorous branch of psychoanalysis and should be better known and understood here... I recommend this book as an excellent introduction to the work of Heinz Kohut. - Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
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