Abstract
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, an illness with debilitating effects on both the body and mind, has received increased attention in the last several years. Yet there has been hardly any documentation of the psychotherapy of afflicted individuals. The author suggests that self psychology is a useful approach in such cases, not only in addressing the effects of the illness, but in facilitating the patient's maintenance of much needed selfobject ties and the ability to follow the complex and difficult medical treatment program. A case illustration demonstrates these dynamics. Self experience of such individuals is then explored with specific reference to nuclear vs. peripheral selves. The author catalogues disruptions in selfobject ties as a result of the illness and offers treatment recommendations.
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I wish to thank Susan Sands, Ph.D., and Karen Rogers, MFCC, for their support and editorial contributions.
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Berger, S. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A self psychological perspective. Clin Soc Work J 21, 71–84 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754913
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00754913