Heinz Kohut
Austrian-American psychoanalyst and psychiatrist
Biography
Gallery (1)
FAQ
Lists
Also Viewed
Questions and Answers
FAQ
Q: Who is Heinz Kohut?
A: Heinz Kohut was an Austrian-American psychoanalyst known for his development of self psychology. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the field of psychoanalysis.
Q: What is self psychology?
A: Self psychology is a branch of psychoanalysis created by Heinz Kohut. It focuses on understanding the development and maintenance of the self, as well as the various psychopathological disorders that can affect it.
Q: What are some of Heinz Kohut's major contributions to psychoanalysis?
A: Heinz Kohut made several significant contributions to psychoanalysis. He developed the theory of self psychology, emphasized the importance of empathy in the therapeutic relationship, and introduced the concept of selfobject needs.
Q: What are selfobject needs?
A: Selfobject needs, according to Heinz Kohut, are the needs individuals have for certain relationships or experiences that help them develop a cohesive sense of self. These needs involve mirroring, idealizing, and twinship.
Q: What is mirroring?
A: Mirroring, as described by Heinz Kohut, is the act of a person providing empathic responses to another person's experiences, thoughts, and feelings. This process is crucial for the development of a healthy self.
Q: What is idealizing?
A: Idealizing, in the context of self psychology, refers to the process of looking up to or valuing certain figures. This can involve projecting one's own positive qualities onto others and gaining a sense of strength and inspiration from them.
Q: What is twinship?
A: Twinship, as explained by Heinz Kohut, involves the need to experience a sense of similarity or commonality with others. It is a crucial part of developing a stable and cohesive sense of self.
Q: What is the importance of empathy in self psychology?
A: According to Heinz Kohut, empathy is essential for the therapeutic relationship and the development of a healthy self. By offering empathic responses to a patient's experiences, the therapist helps validate and support the patient's self-development.
Q: What are some criticisms of Heinz Kohut's self psychology?
A: Some criticisms of self psychology argue that Kohut's ideas lack empirical support and are too subjective. Critics also question the extent to which self psychology can be integrated with other psychoanalytic theories.
Q: What is Heinz Kohut's legacy in the field of psychoanalysis?
A: Heinz Kohut's legacy in the field of psychoanalysis lies in his significant contributions to self psychology. His emphasis on empathy and the importance of selfobject needs has influenced the practice of psychoanalysis and therapeutic approaches.