Working with couples in Intersubjective Self Psychology

This chapter focuses on the use of Intersubjective Self Psychology in couples therapy. After discussing relevant concepts such as the mutual provision of selfobject experience, the intersubjective shaping of dyadic behavior, and the exploration of affect underlying couple interactions, each author offers a case example illustrating the ways two different practitioners might utilize Intersubjective Self Psychology in their work with couples. Process analysis of the progression of each therapy includes the activity between partners, but also the impact of the therapist’s subjectivity upon the couple interaction and the course of therapy.