Object Relations Theory bridges the gap between classic psychoanalysis and family therapy. ORT focuses more on the interaction and the nurturing and intimacy of those interactions. ORT theorists implied that our identity is formed in relationships (past and present). We relate to people in the present based upon early experiences with caregivers. These experiences are often linked to physical objects (external objects) or mental images (internal objects) of self and others. These objects form the premise of our personality and how we relate to others. The need for human contact and nurturing does not come from sexual pleasure but simply way to develop and form secure bonds.
Goals of Psychoanalytic/Object Relations Therapy:
To create intrapsychic personality change. Families are freed from unconscious restrictions so they can interact with each other as whole and healthy person based of current reality rather than unconscious images of the past.
Therapist Role:
Listening
Empathy
Interpretation
Analytic Neutrality
Pay close attention to affect
Holding the Safe Space
Please view the following link and answer the questions below:
https://youtu.be/nftEiz_Uuh0 Links to an external site.
After viewing this week’s video and reading chapter 8, address the following:
1). What is Freud’s psychoanalytic theory regarding childhood experiences?
Explain in paragraph format. (1 point)
2). How does Freud’s psychoanalytic theory present itself and apply to the mother in this video? Explain the evidence in paragraph format. (1 point)
3). How does your response to #2 affect the mother and child’s (Molly) relationship?
Explain in paragraph format. (1 point)
4). Object Relations Theory: What was the representing “Object” in the mother’s past that was causing contention in her current mother/daughter relationship? Explain in paragraph format. (1 point)
5). What tool did the therapist use to create a “safe space” to reach understanding?
Explain in paragraph format. (1 point)
6). Peer response = 1 point
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