Some aspects of psychology and psychotherapy of twins

Psychology and psychotherapy of children and adolescents

Abstract

There has been a steady increase in the number of twin births over the last decades which correspond­ingly increased professional interest for the dynamics of their relationship. The special twin relation­ship influences the development of their personalities, other relationships and other aspects of their lives. Enmeshed relationship may influence their individuality and personal sense of identity. In the course of obtaining separate individuality the separation from twin brother or sister causes considerate emotional distress. This could be the reason to seek professional psychotherapeutic help. Dynamics of twinship is very much present within psychotherapy process and transference. In the first part of this article author explains the dynamics of twinship through developmental phases and different aspect of life. Psychoanalytic theo­ries that interpret twinship and transference in psychotherapy are described. At the end author presents a clinical psychotherapy case of monozygotic female twin, her relationship with twin sister and the influence of twinship on here relationships and psychotherapy.