Object Relations Couples Theory Book

In this book, David and Jill Scharff, both psychoanalysts, develop a way of thinking about and working with the couple as a small group of two, held together as a tightly-knit system by a commitment that is powerfully reinforced by the bond of mutual sexual pleasure. Object relations couple therapy is based on the value of non-directive listening to create psychological space for understanding, working with dreams and fantasy material, and following affect to reach the unconscious conflict. Repetitive patterns of interaction are recognized and linked to the need for defense from intolerable anxiety that can only later be named and worked on. The method is one of interpretation of conflict, with the goal of bringing the unconscious to consciousness, where it can revitalize the couple's impoverished relationship. Two special features differentiate object relations couple therapy from other forms of psycho-dynamic couple therapy. The first of these is the emphasis on sexuality. In this book the Scharffs recognize the importance of sex therapy and apply knowledge gained from that field to their work with couples. The second characteristic of the approach is the focus on transference and counter-transference. The Scharffs describe joining the couple at the deepest level of unconscious communication. There they allow the couple's unconscious to resonate with their own in order to arrive at interpretations that come from inside the shared experience.Read More