In the psychodynamic tradition we take it for granted that early relational dynamics are being replicated in the transference, often creating binds and dilemmas that in turn have regressive effects on the therapist. This is such a powerful principle that we often do not stop to wonder: what actually are the subjective and interpersonal mechanisms that make this 'transfer' possible? Object relations theory is capable of providing a crucial explanatory framework, and is therefore an essential pillar in a relational, integrative approach. Using case material and role play, Michael will demonstrate an embodied understanding of internal objects and their inter-relationships, and how these are subliminally perceived and communicated. This can significantly widen our range of interventions, allowing for more creative and spontaneous practice, as well as helping us transform transferential impasses and enactments.

A relational systems approach informed by self psychology and intersubjectivity not only provides a contemporary language for object relations theory, it also reveals the inseparability of the therapeutic relationship from the socio-political contexts in which it is embedded. Analysts who adopt this perspective may be more willing to embrace an "ethic of commitment" as they relinquish the role of silent bystander in the analytic space as well as on the world stage. Hannah Arendt's concept of promise-making is introduced as the third leg of a triad of complexly interconnected concepts that have shaped Dr. Brothers' efforts to understand psychoanalytic healing, the other two being trust and uncertainty. A clinical example illustrates how a relational systems approach and the complicated and demanding process of making and keeping promises affected a therapeutic process.

In many ways Object Relations Theory is Contemporary Psychotherapy. I will trace the history of object relations from its origins in the thinking of Melanie Klein through Fairbairn, Winnicott and Bowlby to modern relational theory exemplified by Stephen Mitchell. I will include some recent developments from the neurobiology of emotions in the work of Antonio Damasio and others. And I will ask: Where are we at in contemporary psychotherapy? "Between a rock and a hard place" or "Finally we have completed our paradigm shift."

This presentation will explore the particular risks to a baby if the baby is experienced by the parent as bad or dangerous. The baby is rendered at risk of thereafter experiencing parental or needed figures as dangerous too: to be avoided, dismissed, escaped, or clung to. Complex defensive processes necessarily start to develop: identification with the hostile imago; denial of need, a manic position of refuting real relational need; or the out of control attempt to take control by making substances the primary attachment relationships.

Firstly, we will discuss the contribution of psychoanalysis to this discussion, in particular the move from instinct to Object Relations that was explored by Guntrip. We will consider the transition from literal to symbolic thinking and the religious and psychological importance of transitional space (Winnicott). The inner world, and the God in whom we do or don't believe (Rizzuto) will be explored in relation to the Christian psyche.

Melanie Klein's focus on the role and importance of relationships, rather than the individual, formed one of the bases for the theoretical developments which came to be called Object Relations Theory. Her understanding of phantasy and the inner world included a strong sense of the role played by the baby's carers - particularly the mother - as the focus of the child's feelings, interest and concern. In therapy this was matched by the development of her ideas about the relationship with the analyst, in particular ideas about projective identification. Many people have taken these ideas forward. In my own work as a Kleinian counsellor of people with illness, and as an author on Klein's theories, I have found her ideas practical and illuminating. Working with 'ordinary' people who have to live with physical illness I have found that changes to client's bodies always seem to take their significance from their relationships with others.

Object relations theories address the way in which internalised models of relationships are played out in the social and internal worlds. The problem implicit in the very notion of internal object relations is that the reality of the other person - as truly Other - is obscured. Whilst it may be that, the greater the level of psychopathology, the more likely it is that a person's perceptions of other people are distorted, the difficulty in apprehending others as fully Other pervades human intercourse. The phenomenon of 'transference' is one common instance of the misperception of an Other as a pattern of characteristics found in earlier developmental encounters. Freud considered the analytic task was one of urgently rescuing the patient from this 'menacing illusion' of transference, but some contemporary fashions of psychoanalysis seem instead to encourage a dwelling in this illusion. The discipline of sustaining the 'beginner's mind' of apprehending the other person as truly Other is a difficult yet valuable quality to be nurtured in the psychoanalytic encounter.

Couple relationships operate on the boundary between the internal realities of each partner and the external reality that each constitutes for the other. Dissonance between these realities lies at the heart of much relationship conflict, spurring developmental as well as defensive responses. The intimacy of being part of a couple taps into earlier experiences of family intimacy and provides a forum in which past conflicts can be re-experienced, articulated and enacted. This seminar will illustrate how object relations concepts can help us understand couple conflict and inform couple psychotherapy. It describes ways in which ideas and technique have been developing over recent years.

This presentation will look at examples from clinical practice where a client or couple may be moving back and forth between the depressive and paranoid-schizoid positions in the clinical encounter and the impact on, and use of, the practitioner as an object. Clinical vignettes will be offered and those attending are invited to think about and bring examples from their own clinical work.

In my talk I shall describe the impact of recent neuroscience and attachment research on our understanding of depression. I shall explore the irony that psychoanalysis, while seeing transference as the main vehicle of psychic change, has greatly underestimated the importance and impact of the current relational environment on emotional health. I shall put forward an 'intersecting circuits' (intrapsychic and interpersonal) model of psychological functioning. In conclusion I shall suggest the term 'object relations' be viewed as obsolete and unscientific.