Object Relations Theories
This week’s reading covered ego psychology and object relations theory. Although we had covered these in prior classes I learned a lot from the readings. As the text stated ego psychology can be used in group or family settings and focuses on working with individuals and examining the client’s systems and their environments and the characteristics of the individual.
Object relations theory, however recognizes the influence of the environment on development and social functioning. The theory describes the process of developing a mind as one grows in relation to others in the environment. Object (human) relationships are initially formed during early interactions with primary care givers. These early patterns can be altered with experience, but often continue to exert a strong influence throughout life.
Although both are still somewhat new to me I do have some understanding of the concepts and although I’m not too sure I would ever use them with the client population I plan on working with I’m sure an incident or case will come up that calls for one or both of these interventions. Of the two the object relations theory stood out to me for several reasons all of which are not good.
The object relations theory does have a place for certain clients however I have seen over and over where psychologists assume that you are acting the way you are because of something or someone in your past. I think this has been incorporated into almost all assessments in which individuals take test such as the MMPI and others. I do agree that the individuals that you interact with in your early stages of life play a big role in your thinking and your outcome in life however some individuals that come from good hard working families tend to go against the norm such as the infamous Menendez brothers. The odd thing is when I was reading this chapter the movie “Blind Side” was on and I couldn’t help but think about Michael Oher was left alone to raise himself in one of the most dangerous cities in America. Although Mr. Oher had little if any social skills in his teenage years he thrived in this area as hit young adulthood. The object relations theory does agree that patterns can be altered in response to new life experiences, such changes are unlikely to occur.
Although I’m sure if one looks hard enough they will find fault with all theories and methods of treatment that are offered. I’m not too sure but I suspect that if I used something such as the two mentioned models of treatment with the client base I plan on working with my colleagues and supervisors would not be too supportive. The more I read on the two methods the more questions I had. Both methods was described as being sensitive to the effect of the clinical relationship on the process of change, and emphasized the importance of the client reflecting on his or her thoughts and feelings and dealing with the client’s unconscious mental process as a means of helping them resolve challenges……………Is this not what Cognitive Behavior Therapy also does?