Self Psychology and Selflessness

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to apply the clinical principles of self psychology to the treatment of a patient with feelings of selflessness. The patient had the feeling of being driven to pursue a relationship that was destructive. The emphatic vantage point offered by self psychology was critical to the resolution of the patient's difficulties. The concept of the selfobject and the working through of the selfobject transference facilitated the understanding of her developmental needs. It is our belief that the principles and clinical theory of self psychology are of great value in the treatment of selfless patients.