Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Self psychology, intersubjectivity, and group psychotherapy

  • Published:
Group

    We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.

    Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.

Abstract

The basic concepts of self psychology are presented. The three self-object transferences of mirroring, idealizing, and twinship are described and applied to group therapy. The therapist's role is: 1) to accept the patient's need to idealize the leader, the group, or the specific members; 2) to receive recognition and admiration; and 3) to understand the patients search for twinship. The group therapist also has the responsibility of teaching group members to have empathy for one another.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Atwood, G., & Stolorow, R. D. (1984).Structures of subjectivity: Explorations in psychoanalytic phenomenology. Hillsdale, NJ: Analytic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bacal, H. (1985). Object-relations in the group from the perspective of self psychology.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 35, 480–502.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, A. (1988).A fresh look at psychoanalysis: The view from self psychology. Hillsdale, NJ: Analytic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harwood, I. H. (1983). The application of self-psychology concepts to group psychotherapy.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 33, 469–487.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kohut, H. (1977).The restoration of the self. New York: International Universities Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kohut, H. (1984).How does analysis cure? Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lothstein, L. M., & Zimet, G. (1988). Twinship and alter ego selfobject transferences in group therapy with the elderly: A reanalysis of the pairing phenomenon.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 38, 303–314.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rutan, J. S., & Stone, W. N. (1984).Psychodynamic group psychotherapy. Lexington, MA: D.C. Heath.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stern, D. N. (1985).The interpersonal world of the infant. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stolorow, R. D., & Lachmann, F. M. (1980).Psychoanalysis of developmental arrests: Theory and treatment. New York: International Universities Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stone, W. N., & Gustafson, J. P. (1982). Technique in group psychotherapy of narcissistic and borderline patients.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 32, 29–47.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yalom, I. D. (1970).The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Group Therapy Department, Postgraduate Center for Mental Health, USA

    Emanuel Shapiro Ph.D. (Senior Supervisor and Faculty, Supervisor)

  2. National Institute for the Psychotherapies, USA

    Emanuel Shapiro Ph.D. (Senior Supervisor and Faculty, Supervisor)

Authors
  1. Emanuel Shapiro Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Shapiro, E. Self psychology, intersubjectivity, and group psychotherapy. Group 14, 177–182 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01459153

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01459153

Keywords

Search

Navigation