The Dialogical Self in Psychotherapy: An Introduction

by Hubert J.M. Hermans (Editor)

How can a theory of the self be used to understand the psychotherapeutic process?

The basic assumption of the 'dialogical self' is that there is no centralised 'headquarter' in the mind, but that the internal self is made up of a number of different 'characters'. Interpersonal relationships, from infancy onwards, become internalised - these internalised relationships then influence relationships during life.

The Dialogical Self in Psychotherapy is divided into four clear and accessible sections, which

* theoretical and historical assumptions of the dialogical self from different psychological, developmental and neurobiological
* the relationships between Dialogical Self Therapy and the authors' own theoretical perspectives
* treatment of clients suffering from severe disorders
* method and research.

The Dialogical Self in Psychotherapy gathers together psychotherapists from divergent origins to explore current thinking in the cognitive, constructivist, process-experiential, narrative, psychodynamic, psychodramatic, humanistic, and cognitive analytic. This innovative book brings together inter- and intra-subjective dialogue and clearly demonstrates how they are incorporated into the therapeutic process.

296 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Hubert Hermans is one of the main theorists in narrative psychology. During his career he has developed several influential methods and theories. One of them is the Self Confrontation Method (SCM) that has led to the establishment of the Association for SCM practitioners that has around 200 members in 2020. Another is the Dialogical Self Theory that has led to the organization of biennial international conferences, the establishment of the International Society for Dialogical Science.