Projective Identification and Psychotherapeutic Technique. Thomas H. Ogden. New York:  Jason Aronson, 1982,  236 pp.

This very interesting book broadens the concept of projective identification and includes rich clinical material illustrating the technique involved in the use of the concept. The major clinical contribution of this book is the focus on the patient's presentation in treatment of an identification with a significant other for purposes of mastering traumatic experiences. The patient's attempts to enmesh the therapist in a role enactment or actualization are illustrated in a number of clinical examples. To Ogden, projective identification involves an interpersonal enactment or actualization. Unconscious feelings are evoked in the other through the process of projection and splitting.

Ogden's conception of projective identification involves three phases: Phase 1—ridding the self either of a part of the self or internal objects which are experienced as attacking; Phase 2—“the projector exerts pressure on the recipient to experience himself and behave in a way congruent with the unconscious projective fantasy”(p. 14)—in this phase real pressure is exerted through interactions between projector and recipient; Phase 3—in this phase,