The Therapist As A Transitional Object

Life is often a struggle, and the human condition is indeed a hard one. Man is finite and has definite limitations in terms of time, death, power, and knowledge. As if physical limitations are not enough, there are always people, both friends and enemies, who are only too willing to complicate, disrupt, and perhaps destroy one's life. However, men do survive, find meaning, and help one another. Each individual has certain physiological and psychological needs that he must meet in order to prosper. He must learn complex, adaptive behavior responses and acquire effective skills in interpersonal interaction. Unfortunately, these patterns of behavior are not innate and instinctual. They must be learned, and the learning is not always adequate. When faulty patterns of responding have been learned, the person is unable to meet his various needs, and problems arise. It is the purpose of psychotherapy to correct these problems by teaching or enacting new, more adaptive ways of interacting and functioning.

In clinical work doing crisis intervention with college-age adults, I have observed an interesting therapeutic pattern. Many students arrive at the clinic in what appears to be a borderline or even psychotic state brought on by disturbing situational pressures and periods of psychosocial development. Their symptoms include loose association, infantile behavior, confusion, rapid mood swings, and hysterical reactions. They show poor adaptability, and their ego resources appear to be minimal. If an individual student is not dangerous to himself or others, I will often elect to see him for a brief period on an outpatient basis in order to make a more thorough assessment. The major thrust of this brief alliance between patient and therapist is the clarification of the psychological problem within a context of acceptance and support. Intrapsychic and interpersonal problems may be dealt with superficially or not at all, and yet within a few sessions a radical change has taken plac