The Inner World Outside: Object Relations Theory and Psychodrama

Object Relations Theory emphasizes the influence of external reality and early relationships on psychological development; it provides a model of the individual's inner world and is highly compatible with the therapeutic techniques of psychodrama. On the psychodrama "stage" the individual can safely externalize complex early relationships which may now be causing problems in early life. In "The Inner World Outside" Paul Holmes presents a unified account of object relations and psychodrama, derived from his personal experience and training in both psychoanalytic and psychodramatic work. Each chapter is introduced by running account of an imaginary psychodrama group session from which the reader is led to an understanding of the theoretical concepts at work. George's problems with his boss and his wife, the reactions of other group members and of the group director himself are used to illustrate basic psychoanalytic concepts in action. This book should be of interest to professionals in training and practice in psychotherapy, psychiatry, psychodrama, dramatherapy and mental health.