Constituting Selves

Book excerpt: This book aims to provide a unique perspective and definition of the self in psychological literature, filling the gap between psychological science and practical implementation of interventions presented to psychotherapy clients. Combining insights from a broad range of interdisciplinary literature and multiple perspectives on the self and identity, the author seeks to determine whether an independent reality exists behind the term ‘self’ and what the nature of that reality might be. Among the topics discussed: Varieties of narrative self within a psychological frame First-personal experience and identity Ethics, responsibility, and the other Semiotics and subjectivity Constituting Selves: Psychology's Pragmatic Horizon will be of interest to clinicians and psychologists seeking to challenge preexisting conceptualizations and definitions of the self in current psychological literature.