Kernberg versus Kohut: A (case) study in contrasts

Abstract

In this paper, the main concepts of Otto Kernberg and Heinz Kohut--two theorists who have greatly influenced clinical social work practice with severely disturbed patients--are presented, and then compared by using a case from the practice of the author. The case illustrates the value of utilizing some of the treatment principles put forward by Kernberg and Kohut without becoming too wedded to either of the overall treatment approaches they have formulated.