Object Relations theorist’s conceptualize therapeutic action differently then Freud, stressing the need for change in mental representations of the self, object and the affect connecting the two. They believe that such changes are brought about not only through analyst interpretation, but also through the therapeutic relationship. Generally, Object Relations theorist’s believe that the therapeutic relationship should provide a “holding environment” for the patient; an environment in which the patient’s self and object …showed first 75 words of 990 total…

…showed last 75 words of 990 total…s stable environment being translated to a “good enough” out-of-home placement. Such a place would offer a stable, consistent environment- an environment where the kid can experience Id impulses in a setting that provides him with unfailing ego support…Ego support strong enough that the kid can build a strong ego structure. Many of the other theories, even Erikson’s rather up-beat developmental “plan”, do not strike the chord of hope I feel in Winnicutt.