Presenters and Chairs:
Iris Hilke, MA
Mark D. Smaller, MDDiscussants:
Robert M. Galatzer-Levy, MD
Rosalind C. Kindler, MFA, RDT, MCAPCT
Self Psychology Page | 20th Conference Program
The presentation will review the concept of selfobject and its usefulness in the treatment of children. Following a brief theoretical overview, the self experience for participants in a child analytic process will be presented. An impasse two years into the analysis of a five year old boy will be highlighted and discussed. By considering the self experience of the child, the parents, and the analyst (including his relationship with a supervisor), some contributions of child treatment to self psychology and adult treatment will be described. The concept of "transformation of the selfobject" has evolved out of observations of this and other analytic processes, as well as from considerations of normal development. This concept will be offered as one means to understand and solve therapeutic impasses. Included in the case illustration are two examples of such transformations--one which moved the analysis forward, and the other which, initially unrecognized, created an impasse.