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Object Relations Theory: A Reflection on Theoretical Approach to Counseling

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Object Relations Theory: A Reflection on Theoretical Approach to Counseling

Introduction

Object Relations Theory is a branch of psychoanalytic theory that focuses on

understanding interpersonal relations, especially those in early childhood with the primary

caregivers, in the development of the individual’s personality. This theory posits that certain

representations of self and others develop during infancy and shape behavior, affect, and

relationships throughout an individual's life. These internalized objects are critical to

understanding therapeutic intervention, mainly when the interactions between the patient and

therapist are multifaceted.

Motivation for Theoretical Approach

Personal Beliefs and Values

The theoretical perspective I have chosen for this paper is deterministic, and as such, the

following is a description of my approach to counseling. Much of an individual’s behavior and

characteristics are learned in the early years of life, forming part of the unconscious mind. These

early interactions, especially with the primary caregivers, form inner objects or mental models of

relationships with others that affect one’s personality and behavior throughout life (Mann, 2021).

This view aligns with my stance that conscious awareness of such processes is necessary to give

birth to effective psychological change and self-improvement.

The roles of the unconscious and the early attachments in shaping the personality are a

primary concept of Object Relations Theory. Their correspondence with my perception of how

individuals function has led me to choose this theoretical approach. In my opinion, many of the

issues that a person encounters in adulthood are linked to specific conflicts and behaviors set in
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childhood. I think that with the help of therapy, clients can realize these unconscious patterns and

improve the quality of their relationships.

External Influences

My practicum experiences helped me strengthen my decision regarding my primary

theoretical orientation, object relations theory. In my practicum, I saw the practical application of

this theory and how it can be useful to the client in relation to their interpersonal problems. These

successful interventions strengthened my opinion on this approach and encouraged me to gain

more knowledge on this method.

Additionally, I had the privilege of receiving supervision from my mentor, a highly

experienced psychotherapist with a keen interest in object relations theory, significantly

influencing my theoretical perspective. They gave me a clear conception of the theory and some

valuable tips for its implementation in therapy practice. Having seen my mentor apply Object

Relations Theory to manage clients’ relationship issues easily, I was more convinced of the

importance of this theory in the therapy process.

Key Characteristics and Basic Assumptions of Object Relations Theory

According to object relations theory, the cornerstone of personality and emotional

processes are the images of people formed in infancy and childhood. These internal objects,

which are part of the self and others, are transferred from childhood to adulthood and affect

worldview and interactions (Shahar, 2021). The theory postulates that problems in early

relationships can cause problems at later stages of development, resulting in outcomes such as

maladaptive behaviors, emotional disorders, or problematic close relationships.

The main objectives of Object Relations Therapy are to make the clients aware of such

patterns, resolve the still pending conflicts, and establish healthy relationships. The
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psychotherapy process consists of examining the client’s inner world, recognizing and

comprehending the internalized objects that govern the client’s behavior, and working through

the effects of these objects in the present relationships (Delaney & Clarkin, 2023). This process

can cause changes that include personal awareness, healing of emotions, and better relationships

with other people.

One of the Object Relations Theory's assumptions is that early relationships with parents

or other caregivers are the most important for the formation of the subject's inner world. Positive

early experiences define healthy internal objects, while negative ones contribute to creating

pathogenic internal schemata. These internal objects remain an essential part of the person and

impact the subject’s behavior, feelings, and interpersonal relationships for the rest of their

lifetime (Summers, 2024). The therapeutic process is directed towards changing these internal

objects, replacing the undesirable images with the more appropriate ones.

Role of the Counselor and Client in Object Relations Therapy

In Object Relations Therapy, the counselor’s role is to help the clients understand their

inner world and how their early relationships affect them. The counselor receives the client's

projections and allows the client to work through these aspects of themselves. The counselor's

participation in identifying the client's internalized objects and their expression in the counseling

relationship characterizes this process (Shahar, 2021). The counselor serves as a mirror for the

client, providing insight into their unconscious patterns and their impact on their life and

relationships. The counselor creates a safe and accepting environment that allows the client to

enter his or her inner world and process feelings and issues.

On the other hand, the client’s task in object relations therapy involves identifying and

examining the internal objects and the patterns of their relationships. The client is advised to
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explore the feelings that he or she has, the relationship that he or she has, and the roots of these

relationship patterns in the early years of the client’s life. In this way, the client gets to know

himself or herself better, better understands his or her identity, and improves the quality of

interpersonal interactions.

Object Relations Therapy treats the patient's relationship aspect. The interactions between

the client and the counselor are usually a reflection of the client’s internal objects and ways of

relating to others, and thus, the client can work through these problems in the context of a

productive and non-threatening relationship (Summers, 2024). The counselor’s job is to assist the

client in identifying these patterns, understanding where they come from, and learning how to

change these unhealthy patterns of interaction.

Integration with Personal Values and Beliefs

I chose Object Relations Theory because it is in harmony with my personality and

general worldview. I agree with the statements regarding relationships as the cornerstone of

human behavior and personality. I can identify with this theory's focus on the effects of infantile

relationships and the internalization of objects, as it accurately captures the importance of

relationships for psychological growth and functioning.

Moreover, I chose Object Relations Theory as a postmodern theory because its emphasis

on the unconscious aligns with my understanding that many people’s behaviors and decisions are

not intentional. Therapy mechanisms can help the patient address these hidden factors and make

positive changes in their life. This view is in congruence with my belief that self-awareness is

essential to one’s emotional and psychological well-being.

Another strength of Object Relations Theory is that it emphasizes the relationship

between the self and others and the quality of the therapeutic relationship, which I also value. I
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appreciate the concept of therapeutic work and people’s ability to grow and overcome the

obstacles in their relationships. I believe that through proper client management and forming a

good therapeutic alliance, clients can build healthier relationships and a more integrated self.

Cultural Sensitivity in Object Relations Therapy

While applying Object Relations Theory in therapy can aid in understanding people's

behavior, it is crucial to consider cultural aspects. Consideration of the client's culture is crucial

for the therapy's success. For example, when working with clients from a collectivistic culture

that values family and community relationships, it may be crucial to redirect the treatment's

focus to the client's social environment (Shahar, 2021). These cultures typically associate a

person's identity or self with others, necessitating an exploration of the roles of relationships in

therapy. Finally, clients from collectivistic cultures may be more inclined to value their family

and friends' perceptions and pressure, and this may require that these factors be considered in the

therapeutic process.

The client's perception of the counselor's role is another important factor. Some cultures

might expect the counselor to give the client instructions on what to do instead of helping the

client uncover their solutions. In such cases, it may be helpful to consider the principles of

Object Relations Theory in relation to cultural factors and the client’s expectations of therapy

(Svrakic & Zorumski, 2021). Cultural sensitivity also means understanding cultural differences

in manifesting emotions and relationship patterns. For example, there are cultures in which

people may not easily express their emotions or have to avoid confrontation in a relationship. In

such situations, the counselor may require changing the way of doing the therapy to one that is

more acceptable to the client’s culture.

Ethical Considerations in Object Relations Therapy

The main areas of concern when using Object Relations Theory are the ethical issues

surrounding transfer and countertransference, which are evident in practice. The client's

transference of their internalized objects onto the counselor characterizes the therapeutic

relationship process, and the counselor must be mindful of their counter-transference to avoid

becoming entangled in the enacted role (Clarkin et al., 2023).

Reflection and supervision should be continuous to ensure that the counselor's actions are

for the client's benefit and that the client is in a safe environment to work through their issues.

The counselor must ensure that their countertransference does not interfere with the therapeutic

process, thereby preventing any contamination of the therapy (Mann, 2021). Another ethical

issue is the question of informed consent and the client's self-determination during the

therapeutic process. The counselor must elucidate to the client the nature of the therapy process,

emphasizing that it involves addressing the client's unconscious, potentially leading to

transference and countertransference issues. The counselor must uphold the client's right to make

independent decisions and exercise their autonomy throughout the therapy.

Conclusion

The Object Relations Theory is an excellent model for explaining and solving the effects

of early interpersonal interactions on a person's character and conduct. This is why I chose this

theoretical approach; I believe that relationships are one of the most significant factors defining

human behavior, and I want to contribute to clients’ recovery and self-development while

resolving their relational problems. By combining this theory with cultural and ethical

considerations, I can be helpful and supportive to clients of various ethnic backgrounds, helping

them build healthier relationships and identities.

References

Clarkin, J. F., Meehan, K. B., De Panfilis, C., & Doering, S. (2023). Empirical developments in

transference-focused psychotherapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 76(1), 39-45.

[Link]

Delaney, J. C., & Clarkin, J. F. (2023). Object Relations–Informed Psychotherapy: Introduction

to Festschrift Honoring Otto F. Kernberg, MD. American Journal of

Psychotherapy, 76(1), 1-2. [Link]

Mann, D. (2021). Psychotherapy: An erotic relationship: Transference and countertransference

passions. Routledge. [Link]

Shahar, G. (2021). Reformulated object relations theory: a bridge between clinical

psychoanalysis, psychotherapy integration, and the understanding and treatment of

suicidal depression. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 721746.

[Link]

Summers, F. (2024). Object relations theories and psychopathology: A comprehensive text.

Routledge. [Link]

Svrakic, D. M., & Zorumski, C. F. (2021). Neuroscience of object relations in health and

disorder: A proposal for an integrative model. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 583743.

[Link]