Object Relations and Intersubjective Theories in the Practice of Psychotherapy

Book excerpt: The evolution of psychoanalytic/psychodynamic psychotherapy has been marked by an increasing disconnect between theory and technique. This book re-establishes a bridge between the two. In presenting a clear explanation of modern psychodynamic theory and concepts, and an abundance of clinical illustrations, Brodie shows how every aspect of psychodynamic therapy is determined by current psychodynamic theory. In Object Relations and Intersubjective Theories in the Practice of Psychotherapy, Brodie uses the theoretical foundation of the work of object relations theorist D.W. Winnicott, showing how each of his developmental concepts have clear implications for psychodynamic treatment, and builds on the contributions of current intersubjective theorists Thomas Ogden and Jessica Benjamin. Added to this is Brodie’s vast array of clinical material, ranging from delinquent adolescents to high-functioning adults, and drawing on nearly 40 years of experience in psychotherapy. These contributions are fresh and original, and crucially demonstrate how clinical technique is informed by theory and how theory can be illuminated by clinical material. Written with clarity and detail, this book will appeal to graduate students in psychology and psychotherapy, medical residents in psychiatry, and young, practicing psychotherapists who wish to fully explore why psychotherapists do what they do, and the dialectical relationship between theory and technique that informs their work.