242
Views
1
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Transformation of Narcissism and the Intersubjective Therapeutic Exchange

A Depressed Adolescent Patient Shares His Music and Lyrics with His Therapist

Pages 71-94 | Published online: 05 Nov 2008
 

Abstract

Clinicians and researchers have redefined adolescence and depression in adolescence and no longer consider depression as typical of “normal” adolescence. Depression during the teenage period is differentiated from a depressed mood, replete with misery and anguish, and depression proper, i.e., a real illness with specific symptoms which are depressive equivalents. These symptoms often include aggressivity, substance abuse, school refusal, and delinquency. A detailed case presentation is offered of a 17-year-old depressed, substance abusing adolescent who shares his lyrics and heavy metal rock music in sessions, thereby transforming his aggression and narcissism. Use of self psychology and intersubjectivity theory stimulated the formation of a therapeutic alliance and a corrective selfobject relationship, with this young patient's subsequent gains in self-regulation, decreased temper eruptions, and school involvement.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.