When we say that Kohut's self psychology represents a paradigm shift in psychoanalysis, it implies that it fundamentally altered the way that psychoanalytic theory and practice were understood and carried out.
Paradigm shifts represent a major change in the underlying assumptions, concepts, and practices of a particular field, and can have a significant impact on the way that practitioners understand and approach their work.
In the case of self psychology, the paradigm shift involved a shift in emphasis away from traditional psychoanalytic concepts such as the Oedipus complex and the importance of repression and conflict, towards a greater focus on the patient's sense of self and their need for empathic understanding and support from the therapist.
This shift in emphasis had significant implications for how therapy was conducted, with therapists adopting new techniques and approaches designed to support the development of the patient's self. It also opened up new avenues for research and inquiry, as therapists sought to understand the role of self in psychological development and the therapeutic process.
Overall, the paradigm shift represented by Kohut's self psychology had far-reaching implications for the field of psychoanalysis, and helped to reshape our understanding of the therapeutic process and the nature of psychological health and well-being.
