Therapists' self-perception, attachment, and relationship: The role of selfobject needs

The associations between therapists' narcissistic vulnerability as manifested in their hunger for selfobject needs, attachment orientation, self-esteem, and authenticity, along with the quality of the therapeutic relationship with their clients were explored in a sample of 200 Israeli therapists. In addition, a regression model was tested in which therapists' hunger for selfobject needs were posited to mediate the association between therapists' attachment orientation and selfperception, which in turn was expected to mediate the association between therapists' hunger for selfobject needs and the therapist- client bond. Hunger for selfobject needs was associated with anxious attachment orientation. Hunger for the selfobject need for mirroring was associated with low levels of self-esteem, authenticity, and the quality of the therapeutic bond. The therapists' needs for mirroring mediated the association between therapists' anxious attachment orientation and their self-perception, which in turn mediated the relationship between therapists' hunger for selfobject needs and the quality of the relationship. The theoretical and clinical implications for therapy are discussed.