Psychic Retreats: A Book Review

If you are looking for a classic text within the Object Relations  school of theory, then this is a great starting point.  Steiner is easy to read, and he explores the basic concepts within Object Relations psychoanalytic school.  Though this book is not the best introductory primer, it dives deep into the theory and application of these ideas in the practice of psychotherapy.  

Steiner in this work, focuses on how a person withdraws into themselves as a means to avoid anxiety or pain.  These psychic retreats are a protective function to avoid experiencing either a loss or a retraumatization.  Steiner further explores the different positions in Object Relations,, such as the Paranoid Schizoid position, and the Depressive position, and how those relate to a psychic retreat in regards to the loss of an Object or fear of losing said object.  He even has an excellent chapter on the function and dynamics of revenge, resentment, and repair within the therapeutic relationship, in the context of Object loss, frustration felt by the patient for a need not being met, and disappointment.  

Though Steiner is not an interpersonal or relational psychoanalysis, his theory stresses the importance of sharing the analyst’s experience of the patient as a means to work through transference and countertransference issues.  He refers to stalemates in therapy, and how the analysti or therapist must balance and shift between client-centered and therapist-centered interpretations– a much needed step towards a relational model that is both flexible and dynamic in its approach.  While I do not practice from an Object Relations lens, I see the value in Steiner’s work, and the insight into mourning and resentment.  

If you are looking for a great psychoanalytic text, or looking for a different theoretical perspective– I highly recommend this work.  Psychic retreats or withdrawing into oneself is an experience, I believe many of us can relate to, and this is a wonderful exploration of what often is going on internally and within the relationship.  A definite must-read for any budding therapist as well.  Happy reading!