Date of Award
Summer 8-23-2014
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Lynett Henderson Metzger
Second Advisor
Michael Karson
Third Advisor
Kimberly Pfaff
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
All Rights Reserved.
Keywords
First psychotherapy case, Self psychology, Beginning psychotherapist, Professional self
Abstract
This paper explores the gap in the literature between what is herein referred to as the "first psychotherapy case" and its impact on the development of the trainee psychotherapist's professional self. The self psychology concepts of identity development, selfobject needs and fulfillment, narcissism, shame, countertransference, and structuralization are incorporated into the theoretical framework from which this developmental milestone is viewed. The theory's emphasis on early experiences and the development of self highlight the distinctiveness of the first case for the therapist. The beginning psychotherapy case poses a unique context for selfobject experiences and the developing self, involving both the therapist's presumably mature needs (assuming an existing cohesive nuclear self) and more infantile needs as the professional, peripheral self develops. As a result, the potential and important implications for the psychotherapist, the patient, training implications for the supervisor, and the ensuing treatment through termination are identified. The intent is to shed light on an area that is understudied thus far, and to begin a conversation as to why and how the impact of the first case on the psychotherapist should be examined. Implications, limitations, and ideas for future exploratory and qualitative research are also discussed.
Copyright Date
7-10-2014
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Rights Holder
Kaitlyn Eichenberger
Provenance
Received from author
File Format
application/pdf
Language
English (eng)
Extent
44 pgs
File Size
360 KB
Recommended Citation
Eichenberger, Kaitlyn, "The Importance of the First Psychotherapy Case in the Development of the Therapist's Professional Self as Viewed Through the Lens of Self Psychology" (2014). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 57.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/57