Managing Multiple Transferences from a Self-psychology Perspective: A Case Study of an Older Adult
Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Kathryn Barrs
Second Advisor
Hale Martin
Third Advisor
Trey Cole
Keywords
Transference, Self-psychology
Abstract
Transference is a common theme in psychotherapy and is frequently viewed as an integral part of the therapeutic relationship, particularly in psychodynamic therapies. The concept of multiple levels of transference refers to the psychotherapist embodying multiple figures from the patient’s past experience. Older adult patients may be more likely to experience a greater number and variety of transferences given older patients’ longer and more varied life experiences. Managing these multiple transferences may prove challenging for psychotherapists. Self-psychology, with its tripolar categorization of self-object needs and emphasis on empathetic attunement within the therapeutic relationship, can provide an effective framework for managing multiple transferences. This paper examines a case study of an older adult patient and her multiple transferences with her therapist through the lens of self-psychology.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Extent
38 pgs
Recommended Citation
Maletta, Gabriel, "Managing Multiple Transferences from a Self-psychology Perspective: A Case Study of an Older Adult" (2022). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 472.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/472