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An Object‐Relations Approach to Psychotherapy with Marital Couples, Families, and Children
Author(s) -
STEWART RALPH H.,
PETERS TOM C.,
MARSH STEPHEN,
PETERS MELINDA J.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
family process
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.011
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1545-5300
pISSN - 0014-7370
DOI - 10.1111/j.1545-5300.1975.00161.x
Subject(s) - object relations theory , dyad , psychology , transference , psychotherapist , object (grammar) , countertransference , interpersonal relationship , interpersonal communication , social relation , developmental psychology , psychoanalytic theory , social psychology , linguistics , philosophy
AN APPROACH to object relations is presented here that conceptualizes the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Although it is beyond the scope of this paper to provide a thorough review of the object‐relations school of thought, the concepts introduced here have direct clinical implications for understanding and influencing the dynamics of the patient‐therapist dyad, of the marital pair, and of the family unit. Included are the following concepts: (a) Couples in conflict are viewed as more similar than dissimilar despite apparent differences; (b) The therapist's countertransference reactions are seen as not irrational but a valid reflection of the patient's struggle; (c) The adult or child who is the identified patient is often a carrier or container of the split‐off, unacceptable impulses of the other(s); (d) The individual is perceived as part of a unit in which even the more obvious pathological traits have an inherent healthy reparative function.