In heinz kohut’s (1913–1981) theory of self psychology, a transference relationship in which the therapist serves as a selfobject for the patient by providing needed self-enhancing and self-regulatory functions and emotional stability, which can subsequently be internalized and transformed into the structure of the patient’s self. The therapist functions as a needed extension of the patient’s self rather than as a separate person. Three major types of selfobject transference are recognized: mirroring, idealizing, and alter-ego (twinship).