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Peter A. Lessem
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Self Psychology: An Introduction

by Peter A. Lessem (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 25 ratings
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This comprehensive, introductory text makes the concepts of self psychology accessible for students and clinicians. It begins with an overview of the development of Kohut's ideas, particularly those on narcissism and narcissistic development and explains the self object concept that is at the core of the self psychological vision of human experience. It also includes brief overviews, of the allied theoretical perspectives of intersubjectivity and motivational systems theory. Numerous clinical vignettes are furnished to illustrate theoretical concepts as well as one continuous case vignette that is woven throughout the book.
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  1. ISBN-10
    0765703793
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0765703798
  3. Publisher
    Jason Aronson, Inc.
  4. Publication date
    May 20, 2005
  5. Language
    English
  6. Dimensions
    6.78 x 0.85 x 9.26 inches
  7. Print length
    288 pages
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Peter Lessem has provided us with an unusually complete text on the development of Kohut’s self psychology and the ongoing evolution of self psychological theory in contemporary times. Erudite and sophisticated Lessem critically assesses self psychological theory and its contributions to psychoanalysis. This book is much more than “an introduction,” its historical elucidation and synthesis of central issues makes it highly valuable for all who are interested in self psychology. (James L. Fosshage, Ph.D)

Working from Kohut's basic ideas, practicing psychoanalytic psychotherapist Lessem provides his particular reading of the theory and practice of self psychology, reflecting both the evolution of its concepts and the internal logic of their relationships to each other. (Scitech Book News)

Readers will be impressed by the ease and coherence with which Peter Lessem covers the breadth of self psychological theory....It is not often that one finds a book within the psychodynamic discipline that so clearly and concisely introduces both the origins and contemporary qualities of a clinical theory....This book is more than welcome....This book is excellent for anyone interested in quickly developing a broad understanding of the emergence of self psychology. (Division 39 Newsletter)

Peter Lessem has written a superb and clinician-friendly introduction to self psychology. In its cogent explication of the relationship between new developments in psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice, the book covers not only traditional self psychology but also various contemporary relational-systems approaches as well. It will be of great value to students and trainees and to seasoned practitioners alike. (Robert D. Stolorow, Ph.D.)

About the Author

Peter Lessem is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist in New York City. He has been in practice over twenty-five years treating adults, adolescents, and couples. He is on the faculty of the Institute for the Psychoanalytic Study of Subjectivity, the National Institute of the Psychotherapies, and the Professional Psychoanalytic Study Center. He is married and has a daughter and stepson.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jason Aronson, Inc. (May 20, 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0765703793
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0765703798
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.07 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.78 x 0.85 x 9.26 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 25 ratings

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Peter A. Lessem

Peter A. Lessem

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
25 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

banonymous
5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, easy to digest, an highly valuable resource.
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2015
Verified Purchase
This is a well written, broad, and highly informative introduction to the field of self psychology. The text is directed toward students, counselors and therapists who may want to expand field knowledge, interested lay readers, and clients who have some awareness of relational depth psychology theories and methods. It will help the reader to have some prior understanding of object relations theory. If your therapist(s) describe their techniques as client-centered, humanistic, existential, relational (including object-relations) this is a must-read for understanding the client/therapist relationship. The student will especially appreciate the author's careful critique and inclusion of comparative theories, other contributors to the theoretical development and practice of the field, and the divergence from classical or drive-centered theories. For anyone who is interested in the study of our narcissistic traits, this is a developmentally oriented, non-pejorative, and informative resource. This text will assist the reader in a more thorough understanding of the empathic position in relationships. I would extend recommendation of this text to physicians, nurses, ministers, teachers, daycare providers(!), counselors in the addiction and behavioral fields, and those who manage human relations in various occupational fields.
11 people found this helpful
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Donald Cleveland
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Foundational Text
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2015
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It is rare to find a foundational text within the field of psychoanalysis that is comprehensive while avoiding extremes of simplicity and jargon filled complexity. I appreciated the non-apologetic approach and how the author provided just enough background information so that I could avoid additional reading I usually do to assure myself I'm not wasting my time. The additional chapters allied with the main topic are excellent. Those topics challenged and directed me to further study making this one of the best books I have ever read on a topic so near and dear to my heart, and by extension, my clients. Thank you Mr. Lessem. (Please write another book!)
5 people found this helpful
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Sam
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2015
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Great!
One person found this helpful
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G. Daly
5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, interesting and well-written
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2010
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This is a very comprehensive and interesting introduction to the history and development of Self Psychology theory and practice, and its relationship to other approaches, including Object Relations, Intersubjectivity theory and Motivational systems theory.
There are very clear and useful case studies throughout the book that illuminate aspects of both theory and practice, and provide the author with an avenue for direct, reflexive descriptions of his own practice.
While the book is aimed at an audience of practitioners and students, it is very well-written, concise and clear, so as an interested lay person, I found it highly readable, insightful, and an excellent source of information, with key references to bodies of literature for further exploration.
Highly recommended.
6 people found this helpful
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Rboles
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy read! and Easy to understand.
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2010
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The theory of Self Psychology itself can be a difficult concept to understand. I had to learn this theory in a short period of time and this book was a time saver! It broke down the concepts in a clear, cohesive manner without the additional mumbo jumbo psycho-jargon found in most psychodynamic books. This theory was briefly taught in my grad class, so I used this book to re-learn it and to study for my pre-doctoral Comprehensive Exams. I was able to conceptualize using Self Psychology without any problems and passed on the first try. Highly recommend!
8 people found this helpful
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Jones
5.0 out of 5 stars Very satisfied with this product!
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2014
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This is a wonderful way to understand about Self Psychology. The writing is easy to understand and the concepts are clearly explained. I recommend this book for those interested to read about Self Psychology and of course, read all Kohut's books.
2 people found this helpful
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RobynD
5.0 out of 5 stars well written and accessible for a layman
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2013
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This book is well written and in depth. As a student of psychology I was able to understand and ingest the material. I recommend it to anyone studying or practicing as a clinical psychologist.
3 people found this helpful
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Corinne Baldwin
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to learn the fundementals of self psychology
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2008
This is a great book, I needed to teach myself self psychology in a short amount of time. This book helped me do that. I would suggest this book for anyone especially in the field of psychology.
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Rock-André Blondin Ruel
5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect book to start !!!
Reviewed in Canada on November 14, 2016
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Really great book. Peter Lessem explains deep and hard concept to understand in a very fluid, nuanced and simple way. A must for anyone who is interested in self psychology !!!
One person found this helpful
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Rus9
5.0 out of 5 stars Very thorough and good to support essay writing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2015
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Uses simple language to explain self psychology and to explain its application in the counselling room. Very thorough and good to support essay writing.
One person found this helpful
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