Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy

Question 1

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy

Theory of Change

Answer 1

Change occurs through both reparative experiences within the treatment relationship and from new insight into and modification of entrenched object relations pathology.

Question 2

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy

Role of the Therapist

Answer 2

• Neutral
• Emphasis on transference and countertransference.
• Therapist as a new and good object

Question 3

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy

Treatment Goals

Answer 3

• Providing reparative experiences and building new internal structures.
• Gaining insight to how past relationships impact client’s functioning
• Improving relationships with self and others

Question 4

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy - Key Concepts

Objects

Answer 4

Refers to persons in the external world Individuals seek objects (others) from birth.

Question 5

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy- Key Concepts

Internalization

Answer 5

Early infant-caretaker interactions lead to the person
internalizing basic attitudes toward self and other, characteristic relational patterns and a repertoire of defenses and internal capacities.

Question 6

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy- Key Concepts

Self and Object Representations

Answer 6

Infants form images of themselves and others. Once formed, they are fundamental internal structures that affect the ways in which individuals view themselves and others.

Question 7

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy- Key Concepts

Ego

Answer 7

The structure responsible for dealing with the world, for instituting defense mechanisms, for internalizing external objects and for integrating and
synthesizing self-and object-representations.

Question 8

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy- Key Concepts

Splitting

Answer 8

When two contradictory states, such as l

ove and hate, are compartmentalized and not integrated.

Question 9

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy- Key Concepts

Projection

Answer 9

Involves projecting undesirable feelings or emotions onto someone else, rather than admitting to or dealing with the unwanted feelings.

Question 10

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy- Key Concepts

Projective Identification

Answer 10

Refers to a psychological process in which a
person will project a thought or belief that they have onto a second person. Then, in most common definitions of projective identification, there is another action in which the second person is changed by the projection and begins to behave as though he or she is in fact actually characterized by those thoughts or beliefs that have been projected.

Question 11

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy- Key Concepts

Introjection

Answer 11

Where the subject replicates in themselves behaviors, attributes or other fragments of the surrounding world, especially of other people.

Question 12

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy
Phase of Treatment/Intervention

Beginning

Answer 12

Establish a holding environment. Build rapport and therapeutic alliance through listening, exploration of client’s experience, empathy, and maintaining neutrality.

Question 13

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy
Phase of Treatment/Intervention

Middle

Answer 13

Promote insight and growth through interpretation. Confront resistance and primitive defense mechanisms. Focus on transference/countertransference
dynamic. Identify and process projective identification.

Question 14

Object Relations Psychodynamic Therapy
Phase of Treatment/Intervention

End

Answer 14

Work through termination and abandonment is

sues. Consolidate interpretations. Review insights gained in therapy