Psychodynamic Models of Family Counseling:

1
Psychodynamic Models of Family Counseling

• Object Relations Therapy

2
The Theory

• Views the infants experiences in relationship to
  the mother as the primary determinant fo adult
  personality formation (attachment)
• Based on Freuds classic psychoanalysis (drive
  theory)
• Theory based on individual drives (motives), the
  development of a sense of self (wishes, fears,
  internal conflicts) and unconscious relationship
  seeking that object relations theory addresses
• Attention is on the inner lives and conflicts of
  individual family members

3
Scharff Scharff (Object Relations
Family/Couples Therapy)

• Husband and wife psychiatrists who are directors
  of the International Institute of Object Relatins
  Therapy in DC
• Unconscious themes expressed in dreams and
  fantasies are evoked and investigated, family
  histories are explored and they relate to current
  relationships, interpretations are made to the
  family, insight is sought and transference and
  countertransference feelings are explored.
• Emphasis is placed on attachment and the possible
  destructive effects of early separation from care
  givers.

4
Narrative Family Therapy

• Michael White is the leading figure in narrative
  therapy--former Australian social worker.
• Narrative therapy proposes that people attempt to
  make sense of their lives, arrange their
  experiences of events over time to arrive at a
  coherent account of themselves. Each narrative
  gives each person a sense of continuity.

5
Narrative Therapy

• Each persons story provides the principal
  framework for structuring therapy.
• My grandmother inspired me by coming to this
  country penniless and succeeding in business
• How my illness as a child made me feel inferior
  to others
• How my parents divorce turned me against
  marriage
• How my mothers alcoholism frightened me about
  drinking

6
Narrative Therapy

• Issues of power, privilege, oppression, control,
  ethics, and social justice remain high priorities
  in narrative therapy.
• Narrative therapists view client stories through
  a political lens.
• Goal of therapy is to liberate the client from
  forces of hopelessness.
• Questions such as What was that experience like
  for you? What effect did it have on your life?
  Why was this so important to you?

7
Narrative Therapy Strategies

• Definitional ceremonies tellings of stories by
  different members of family and outside witnesses
• Therapeutic Letters narrative therapists use
  letters sent to clients to extend therapeutic
  sessions
• Forming Supportive Leagues support groups