A Practical Application of Self Psychology in Counseling

Authors

A. Jordan Wright, New York UniversityFollow

Document Type

Counselor Education Teaching Idea

Keywords

Self Psychology, Counseling Process, Counseling, Intervention, Counseling Education

Subject Area

Counseling, Counselor Education, Mental Health Counseling

Abstract

Self psychology has undergone a significant evolution since it was initially developed and proposed by Heinz Kohut, including broadening conceptions of what purposes selfobjects can serve for individuals. Its application to counseling has been as an organizing framework and overarching theory of human development and psychopathology. The concept of selfobjects, however, has the potential to provide specific guidance and technique in micro-interactions within counseling. Individual moments within counseling present opportunities for a counselor to intervene, and self psychology can provide a deliberate decision-making tool for how to respond. Being deliberate in interventions throughout counseling has the potential to improve outcomes. Case examples are presented to illustrate the model.

Recommended Citation

Wright, A. (2021). A Practical Application of Self Psychology in Counseling. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 14(4). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/jcps/vol14/iss4/13