Object relations therapy

Sheldon Cashdan

"Drawing upon object relations theory, including the work of Melanie Klein, Otto Kernberg, Margaret Mahler, and Heinz Kohut, this book outlines a treatment approach in which the therapist uses the therapeutic relationship to being about chnage. The actual techniques of object relations therapy are systematically presented, with special attention devoted to the patient's use of projective identifications. Cashdan's expertise asa teacher is amply demonstrated as he outlines the steps of object relations therapy, from engagement, through identification an confrontation of projective identifications, to termination. In extensive case material he illustrates the patient's use of four types of projective idenitifications within therapy relationship - those centering around issues of dependency, sexuality, power and ingratiation. In addition, he explores the therapist's use of the countertransference to both diagnose and confront those projections. Included is an examination of the personal factors that affect the work of the object relations therapist, as well as a description of the way novels and films can be used to enhance the therapeutic process. In taking up the daunting challenge of translating object relations theory to object relations therapy, Cashdan provides a clear and systematic model for using the treapeutic relationship." -- inside book cover