Kernberg versus Kohut: A (case) study in contrasts

Main concepts of Otto Kernberg & Heinz Kohut -- two psychoanalytic theorists who have greatly influenced clinical social work practice with severely disturbed patients -- are compared via a case from personal practice. The case illustrates the value of utilizing some of the treatment principles put forward by Kernberg & Kohut without becoming too wedded to either of their overall treatment approaches. Aspects of how the practitioner determines when the treatment approach needs to be modified -- to avoid the pitfalls of either being too attached to an approach or too eclectic -- are also discussed. 34 References. Adapted from the source document.