The theory course presents the significant concepts of the founders and of the major innovators of Object Relations Theory and Self Psychology and demonstrates how these are applied to the assessment and treatment of emotional, relational, and self disorders as observed in trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders. The contributions of the major theorists and clinical researchers are presented (e.i., Klein, Fairbairn, Winnicott, Kernberg, Mahler, Kohut, Masterson, Cashdan). The research regarding the validity of the concepts and effectiveness of this approach is summarized.

The purpose of this unit is not only to provide the significant contributions of the individuals to the development of object relations therapy and self psychology but also to provide an in depth appreciation of the psychodynamic culture which serves as a framework within which to understand their contributions. This unit begins with the contributions of Freud and of the ego psychologists.

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