What is Object Relations Therapy?

Home » Treatment Therapies » Object Relations » Page 2

Object Relations Therapy focuses on people’s early childhood relationships. The “object” in this theory refers to a person. Object Relations theory states that people are deeply impacted by early relationships, even more so if these relationships are abusive, neglectful, or unhealthy. People’s earliest relationships help them form mental images. These images impact future relationships.

Object Relations Theory states that people often engage in a process called “splitting.” Splitting is when people categorize relationships as being either good or bad. In reality, relationships are generally not entirely good or bad. They have healthy parts, unhealthy parts, and have ways of relating that are in between.

Your therapist will help you to see all aspects of relationships. They will help you understand how your earliest relationships affect your ways of relating in the present. By helping you develop healthier ways of relating within counseling, you can more easily take these ways of relating outside of the counseling space.

Find an Object Relations Therapist Near You

Do you want to make changes in your life but don't know how or where to begin? Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed and as if you put one foot forward only to take several steps back? Are you experiencing sadness , worry or loss of any kind whether it be a separation, divorce, death of a family member or animal? Together we can explore what has you feeling all these uncomfortable emotions and...
People contact me for many reasons. Often, though not always, the impetus seems to fall into one of two categories. Either something has happened to a person that has significantly changed their world, or nothing has happened and they are feeling stuck. Either scenario can leave someone feeling lost, confused, disconnected, and alone. Frequently I'm contacted after the loss of a loved one,...
Despite the vast amounts of challenges that life may throw our way, I truly believe that mental flexibility and perseverance may be cultivated by anyone who would seek it. It allows one to bend in the winds of change without breaking, while adjusting and evaluating new wisdoms and perspectives that may be applied to one's life situations. The mind of an individual can be as flexible as one's...

Christine Lemmon

San Jose

California

I am a psychotherapist providing individual therapy services to adults impacted by trauma. In my work I understand trauma as how we are impacted by the painful experiences in our lives and the ways in which those experiences shape the way we form relationships with others, with ourselves, and the degree to which we are able to find joy. Taking the first steps into therapy can be daunting. But I...
The decision to pursue therapy is a powerful step towards change and personal growth. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by transition, needing to heal past hurts, grieve losses, or learn how to live a more authentic and meaningful life, together we will explore desired areas of change and growth. Even if what needs to change or what is holding you back is unclear, I welcome you to come ...

Tami Krichiver

Indianapolis

Indiana

Winnicott wrote, "Feeling real is more than existing; it is finding a way to exist as oneself." It is my hope that through the process of therapy, you'll come to know and develop yourself in ways that are life affirming. I am a clinical psychologist, providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups. My approach is collaborative, and together we'll uncover new perspectives for...
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Life Coach. My approach to therapy is to help clients identify, understand, and ultimately change the areas in their lives that have contributed to emotional and relationship pain. I deeply believe that to have the breakthrough we need in current relationships we must understand our history and how it profoundly colors and impacts us as...
Early experiences result in our developing defensive structures that are meant to protect our vulnerability, but also create restrictions in our capacity to feel or perceive what is happening in the moment. This patterning shapes our perception of others, and also of ourselves. Although traditional insight-oriented talk therapy allows for an understanding which can harmonize our awareness with ...

Jennifer Roth

Indianapolis

Indiana

I work with individuals who are motivated toward greater health and well-being. This includes those who struggle with long-term emotional distress and those wanting to change unhealthy patterns in their life. Together we will explore how past events can contribute to feelings of distress and relationship difficulties today. As you develop new insight and understanding about yourself through...

Casey Swartz, LPC

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania

**Currently not accepting new clients** Is something keeping you from being the partner, parent, friend or family member you want to be? When you're feeling sad or nervous or if you're struggling with a troubling memory it can be hard to be the person you always imagined you'd be at this time in your life. I want to help you hold the weight you're carrying and figure out what it is that's holdi...

Ward Robak

Spokane

Washington

There is no substitute for tending to our personal and relational experiences; it is likely the reason you are reading this. Welcome! From my experience, when we desire a deeper engagement with life or significant problems arise, often something within us wants our attention. When we pay attention to our feelings and actions rather than focus on events or people, we frequently discover the "How...
How do we navigate life's ups and downs when the way(s) we've been doing all along doesn't work for us anymore? And what if we can no longer navigate life's challenges on our own? Maybe you were told to “just handle it", or "only weak people need help". No one gets through life on her/his/zer own. Everyone needs - thrives, actually - with support. This is the role of a therapist and what I hope...

Delverlon Hall

New York

New York

I have experience working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, identity formation, difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful relationships and life transitions. I also have experience working with individuals challenged by trauma (post traumatic stress, sexual abuse, chronic medical illness). I am certified as a couple therapist and work with couples to help improve...
I understand that finding a therapist is challenging. It is an important relationship that by its very nature may help you develop new skills and tools. I appreciate the opportunity to partner with others to explore paths to developing their best quality of life. I believe that growth and change are possible at any age and stage. The journey of life takes many turns with some more challenging t...
Welcome. I would love to help you take the steps needed to improve the quality of your life. This might be the next step toward healthier pattern, in facing something from your past, or in addressing feelings and moods that dim your engagement with life. Each part of the process - from contemplation to action - deserves care and attention. I fully believe the solutions to the challenges we face...