Attachment and Projective Identification

Attachment and Projective Identification

In the therapy room, projection is a primary method of communication. Often subtle, nonverbal, and seemingly invisible, therapists easily identify with the projections, creating a shared, unnamed space of reenactment. This training will use action methods to draw out the projections that we enter into spaces with, as well as our vulnerable trigger points to join a client in their projection. This self-attunement will help to widen the lens of our clinical assessment, and begin the practice of new skills that more effectively contain projections and intentionally utilize them to advance the clinical goals.   

Objectives for this month:

1. Distinguish between a projection and a projective identification

2. Describe the relationship between attachment energy and projections

3. Explain the 3 functional roles of the Drama Triangle