1st Edition

The Inner World Outside Object Relations Theory and Psychodrama

By Paul Holmes Copyright 1992
    212 Pages
    by Routledge

    What happens in Psychodrama Session? How can object relations theory illuminate the practice of psychodrama? Paul Holmes is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist trained in both psychoanalytic and psychodramatic methods of treatment. In The Inner World Outside he draws on his experiences to give a clear introduction to object relations theory and to demonstrate its relevance to the practice of psychodrama. Object relations theory, with its emphasis on the influences of external reality and early relationships on psychological development, provides a model of the individual's inner world. This world can be safely externalized on the psychodrama stage allowing for the exploration of early relationships which may still be causing problems in adult life. The Inner World Outside presents the first unified account of the clinical methods (or techniques) of psychodrama with the psychological understanding produced by modern psychoanalysis.

    1 Introduction: psychodrama and psychoanalytic theory 2 The director's assessment: systems within systems 3 Repetitions and the transference 4 The inner object world 5 Relationships and roles 6 The inner world and the drama of psychotherapy 7 The countertransference 8 Psychological defence mechanisms 9 Conflicts and anxiety: holding and containment 10 Playing and reality 11 The dynamics of the group Coda: How does psychodrama change people?

    Biography

    Paul Holmes is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist trained in both psychoanalytic and psychodramatic methods of treatment. He is Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in the National Health Service and a psychotherapist in private practice.