From a development psychological frame of reference this article gives a review of theoretical conceptions and recent research on imitation, which are situated within the broader range of intersubjectivity. The starting point are some ideas from a psychoanalytical point of view, followed by recent child research in which imitation takes a crucial role. In the subsequent paragraphs some notions on intersubjectivity are critically discussed leading to some consequences for psychotherapy. Finally the discussed ideas are placed in a phenomenological frame of reference.
The tPeP (Journal Person-centered experiential Psychotherapy) is the scientific journal for Dutch and Flemish psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, that work from, or are interested in a client-centered perspective.
