OUTLINE– Object Relations Theory

Explained (in under 5 mins)– ‘Inner’ Representations

(objects)– Transference explained– Counte-rtransference

explained– EXAMPLES

RELATIONS IN COUNSELLINGb y A A M a c K e n z i e

• Object relations theory – a divergence from Freudian psychotherapeutic understandings

• primary focus -- relationships of early life that leave lasting impressions; similar to a residue or remnant within the psyche

ORT in under 5 mins

• These residues of past relationships (inner object relations) serve to shape perceptions of both individuals and relationships.

ORT in under 5 mins

Fairbairnian quote of Ego structure: “The structure is seen as one consisting of a system of conscience and unconscious object relationships that crystallise out of the infants experience of real relationships. “Ego structure is the trace of a relationship.”

ORT in under 5 mins

Article by Scharff and Scharff (1992, p.100)

“…relationships become central to psychological life, and anxiety is thought to play a significant role in relationships by warning of impending (threatened) loss of the self in relation to the object. Avoiding damage to the Self and protection from narcissistic injury of the Ego drives a complex personality structural organizational process…”

INTERNALIZING

Scharff and Scharff (1992, p.101)“The conscious parts remain in an open system, flexible and changeable, and able to interact freely with others. The unconscious parts are split off into a closed system, rigid and unchanging under the force of repression, and not available for interaction with others or for learning and change at the conscious level.”

INTERNALIZING and INNER RELATIONSHIPS

Scharff and Scharff (1992, p.101)“Conscious and unconscious parts are in constant dynamic interaction with each other internally. Needs, frustrations, longings, love, and hate are re-experienced inside the self. These… relationships that were internalised continue to interact dynamically within the overall personality. These inner relationships are being actively repressed and are equally actively seeking to return to consciousness.”

INTERNALIZING and INNER RELATIONSHIPS

– Two Triangle Theory by David Malan (1984) (cited by Holmes, 1994, 11)

Relational Psychodynamics

Below the water line of ‘awareness’ (un-conscious?)

Somewhat apparent (conscious realm)

Transference (as defined by Jackson, 2009):“Certain unconsciously redirected feelings, fears, or emotions from a client towards the counsellor that actually stems from past feelings and interactions with others and is transferred into the current counselling relationship.”

“Fairbairn said that the most important factor in analytic treatment is the relationship; because without that, nothing else matters – but he did not imply that the thing to do was to focus exclusively on it… I have likened the focus on transference to the use of Global Positioning Systems. While the machinery of the GPS is wonderful and certainly fascinating, focussing on the GPS over an entire journey would avoid the prime purpose of the trip.” (Hopper, 2001. p. 29)

TRANSFERENCE

Counter-Transference (Hahn, 2000):• “Contemporary views define counter-transference as ‘a joint

creation, in which both the counsellor's past conflicts and the client's projected aspects create specific patterns of interaction within the therapeutic process’ (Gabbard, 1993, p. 13).”

• “It is critical that the counsellor be aware of their own countertransference propensity, so that it does not interfere with the clients' ability to take ownership of the counselling outcome.”

• “When counselling certain clients, it is important to be aware of some of the dangers inherent in transference /countertransference…” Some examples?

COUNTER-TRANSFERENCE

BIBLICAL examples:

• King Saul

• Jonah

• Judas Escariot

• God in Christ

EXAMPLES?

King Saul and the javelin incident (1 Sam 15)

King David and Nathan

2 Samuel 12:5David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”

Jonah and the pomegranate plant

Jonah 4:9 But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?”

The two on the road to EmmausLuke 24:32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Judas Iscariot

Examples from the Bible

• Transference & C-transference are naturally occurring phenomena

• Being aware of both (but especially our C-transferences) is important

• Each can tell us something about our/other relationships with our client (in present & past)

• Too much importance cannot be placed T/C-t; rather more should rest on the therapeutic alliance

FINAL COMMENTS…

1. Hahn, W.K. (2000). Shame: C-transference identification in individual psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 37(1): 10-21.

2. Hopper, E. (2001). Lectures on the Concepts of Transference and Countertransference. Lectures Series, Tavistock Centre for Couples Relationships, Central London, p. 26.

3. Wiener, J. (2009). The Therapeutic Relationship: Transference, Countertransference, and the Making of Meaning. College Station, Texas: Texas A&M Univ. Press, 150p.

4. Jackson, K.C. (2009). Counselling Transference / Counter-transference Issues. Retrieved from: http://www.contactpoint.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=369&catid=59&Itemid=37

REFERENCES