The Restoration of the Self

By Heinz Kohut

Book Overview

In his foundational work The Restoration of the Self, noted psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut boldly challenges what he called "the limits of classical analytic theory" and the Freudian orthodoxy. Here Kohut proposes a "psychology of the self" as a theory in its own right-one that can stand beside the teachings of Freud and Jung.

Using clinical data, Kohut explores issues such as the role of narcissism in personality, when a patient can be considered cured, and the oversimplifications and social biases that unduly influenced Freudian thought. This volume puts forth some of Kohut's most influential ideas on achieving emotional health through a balanced, creative, and joyful sense of self.

"Kohut speaks clearly from his identity as a psychoanalyst-healer, showing that he is more of a psychoanalyst than most, and yet calling for major theoretical revisions including a redefinition of the essence of psychoanalysis."-American Journal of Psychotherapy

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226450139
• ISBN13: 9780226450131
• Release Date: July 2014
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Kohut a master of the mind

Kohut redefines his position vis a vis S.Freud and demonstrates the classical drive and its topographic structures are not self sufficient.Much more is needed to approach the complexity of the human mind. Compelling and dense this book will twist your mind. Kohut is a brilliant master and a very wise professional because he understands the paradigm of psychoanalytic progress.Kohut also understands and demonstrates the fundamental notion of mental readiness before asking a question or answering it.Before asking a question you should first question yourself,about the question you are about to ask and make sure you have, yourself, explored all the possible responses... I believe,today, Kohut is still one of the two(the other one being Otto Kernberg)most prominent minds of the 21st century in the psychoanalytical universe.