Integration of Object Relations Theory and Trauma Theory in Couples Therapy with Survivors of Childhood Trauma, Part I: Theoretical Foundations

This is first of two papers which examines the interface of object relations theory and trauma theory in couple therapy. The papers demonstrate how differential treatment methods are informed by the object relations of the partners. In this paper, theoretical foundations are put forward which inform the therapy of the two couples who are discussed in the second paper entitled “Integration of Object Relations Theory and Trauma Theory in Couples Therapy with Survivors of Childhood Trauma, Part II: Clinical Illustrations.” There, two clinical examples of couple therapy are presented to elucidate the interface of object relations and complex post traumatic stress symptomatology. The papers present an integration of object relations theory and an adaptation of Herman's (1992) model of individual therapy of complex post traumatic stress disorder to the therapy of couples.