Heinz Kohut

Heinz Kohut (May 3, 1913 – October 8, 1981) was an Austrian-American psychoanalyst best known for his development of self psychology, a school of thought within psychoanalysis that emphasizes the role of the self in psychological development and treatment. Kohut's theories have had a significant impact on the field of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, particularly in understanding narcissistic personality disorders.

Early Life and Education

Heinz Kohut was born in Vienna, Austria, into a well-educated Jewish family. He attended the University of Vienna, where he initially studied medicine. Kohut's interest in psychoanalysis was sparked during his medical studies, and he eventually trained at the Vienna Psychoanalytic Institute.

Career and Contributions

Kohut emigrated to the United States in 1940, fleeing the Nazi regime. He settled in Chicago, where he became a prominent member of the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. Kohut's early work was influenced by Sigmund Freud and the classical psychoanalytic tradition. However, he began to develop his own ideas, which diverged from traditional Freudian theory.

Development of Self Psychology

Kohut's most significant contribution to psychoanalysis is the development of self psychology. This approach focuses on the self as the central organizing structure of the psyche. Kohut argued that the self is formed through interactions with empathic caregivers, and disruptions in these interactions can lead to psychological disorders.

Key Concepts of Self Psychology

• Selfobjects: Kohut introduced the concept of selfobjects, which are external figures or objects that support the development and maintenance of the self. Selfobjects provide functions such as mirroring, idealization, and twinship.
• Empathy: Kohut emphasized the importance of empathy in the therapeutic process. He believed that understanding the patient's subjective experience is crucial for effective treatment.
• Narcissism: Kohut redefined narcissism, viewing it as a normal developmental stage rather than a pathological condition. He distinguished between healthy and pathological narcissism, with the latter resulting from failures in selfobject relationships.

Major Works

Kohut's major works include "The Analysis of the Self" (1971), "The Restoration of the Self" (1977), and "How Does Analysis Cure?" (1984, published posthumously). These texts outline his theories and provide case studies illustrating his approach.

Legacy and Influence

Heinz Kohut's self psychology has had a lasting impact on psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. His ideas have influenced the treatment of narcissistic and borderline personality disorders and have been integrated into various therapeutic modalities. Kohut's emphasis on empathy and the therapeutic relationship has also contributed to the development of humanistic psychology and client-centered therapy.

Criticisms

While Kohut's theories have been influential, they have also faced criticism. Some psychoanalysts argue that self psychology lacks the rigor of classical psychoanalysis and that it overemphasizes the role of empathy. Others have questioned the empirical basis of Kohut's concepts.

Also see

• Sigmund Freud
• Psychoanalysis
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Humanistic psychology
• Client-centered therapy