The Secret and the Self: On a New Direction in Psychotherapy

Abstract

This paper briefly describes some principles of a self-psychology, this term being used in a broad sense. As a heuristic device, the theme of evolution of self is woven about the formation of its boundary. Boundary formation is seen to be fostered by therapeutic responses that ‘match’ inner states. This notion is linked to other means of enhancing a sense of ‘innerness’. They include a respect for the distinction between the realms of public and private, a potentiation of the ‘ownership’ of experience and the use of certain forms of language. Through a consideration of the concept of ‘the secret’, self-psychology is contrasted with the traditional or ego psychologies. What emerges is a therapeutic approach to personality disorder that resembles important aspects of the work of Kohut and Winnicott, the major contributors to this developing body of theory.