OBJECT-RELATIONS Ego Psychology THEORY

1. OBJECT-RELATIONS(Ego Psychology) THEORY Move away from Freud�s emphasis on instinctual drives and psychosexual stages of development Focus on the ways primary relationships are internalized as templates for future intimate relations. Donald Winnicott (1958) Conceived of therapy as a kind of �holding environment� to provide a safe, secure, dependable relationship in which clients might work through early relationship conflicts (connection to countertransference) Heinz Kohut Intrigued with one of Freud�s papers on narcissism, which is the condition of excessive self-involvement. Although Freud and current diagnostic manuals treat narcissism as pathological state marked by obsession with one�s own needs, Kohut�s theory stresses that the development can be healthy if it leads to productive activities and balanced self-esteem. Kohut (1984) emphasized the role of empathy in the therapeutic alliance, believing that one of the most important ingredients is helping people to feel understood. Otto Kernberg Applied concepts of self-psychology to the understanding of one severe type of personality disturbance known as borderline disorder: characterized by intense, contradictory interpersonal patterns; tend to be manipulative and extremely difficult to deal with; ten to be unpredictable and often do their best to get underneath others� skins as a means of self protection. Cue: client appears so annoying, manipulative, and irritating that the counselor can�t get him or her out of mind. Comparison to traditional psychoanalysis: see past as a strong influence on behavior in the present Contrast: rather than remaining aloof often create a more natural, empathic and supportive relationship that fosters a degree of attachment without complete dependence-clear boundariesDonald Winnicott (1958) Conceived of therapy as a kind of �holding environment� to provide a safe, secure, dependable relationship in which clients might work through early relationship conflicts (connection to countertransference) Heinz Kohut Intrigued with one of Freud�s papers on narcissism, which is the condition of excessive self-involvement. Although Freud and current diagnostic manuals treat narcissism as pathological state marked by obsession with one�s own needs, Kohut�s theory stresses that the development can be healthy if it leads to productive activities and balanced self-esteem. Kohut (1984) emphasized the role of empathy in the therapeutic alliance, believing that one of the most important ingredients is helping people to feel understood. Otto Kernberg Applied concepts of self-psychology to the understanding of one severe type of personality disturbance known as borderline disorder: characterized by intense, contradictory interpersonal patterns; tend to be manipulative and extremely difficult to deal with; ten to be unpredictable and often do their best to get underneath others� skins as a means of self protection. Cue: client appears so annoying, manipulative, and irritating that the counselor can�t get him or her out of mind. Comparison to traditional psychoanalysis: see past as a strong influence on behavior in the present Contrast: rather than remaining aloof often create a more natural, empathic and supportive relationship that fosters a degree of attachment without complete dependence-clear boundaries