Psychoanalytic Theory

Psychoanalytic theory refers to the dynamics of personality development which was first laid out by Sigmund Freud that focuses on repression and unconscious forces and includes the concepts of infantile sexuality, resistance, transference, and division of the psyche into the id, ego, and superego, Psychoanalytic theory uses free association, dream interpretation, and analysis of resistance and transference to explore repressed or unconscious impulses, anxieties, and internal conflicts, in order to free psychic energy for mature love and work.

Object Relations Theory

Object relations theory is an offshoot of psychoanalytic theory that emphasizes interpersonal relations, primarily in the family and especially between mother and child. "Object" actually means person and especially the significant person that is the object or target of another's feelings or intentions. "Relations" refers to interpersonal relatios and suggests the residues of past relationships that affect a person in the present. Object relations theorists are interested in inner images of the self and other and how they manifest themselves in interpersonal situations.

The object relations model creates an environment of neutrality and impartiality to understand the distortions and intrapsychic (internalized) conflicts that each partner contributes to the relationship in the form of dysfunctional behaviors. This model proposes that there is a complementary personality fit between couples that is unconscious and fulfills certain needs. This model supports the thought that a "mothering figure" is the central motivation for selection and attachment of a mate. Choosing a "mothering" figure induces further repression (non-development) of portions of personality that were not well-developed (referred to as "lost parts"). This repression causes relationship difficulties.

Transgenerational Theory

Transgenerational theory deals with the rules which govern the communication of acquired practices, behaviors and beliefs between generations. There is no rigorous scientific approach to the passage of family culture and tradition. This transgenerational theory is a minor step in the formulation of such an approach. In couples therapy, this pertains to how a person maintains and passes on its unique identity and culture to the relationship or family and examines what mechanisms allow the passage of family tradition from one generation to the next.

Pluralistic Theory

Pluralism is an approach to counselling and psychotherapy which starts from the assumption that many different things are likely to be of help to clients, and that therapy works best when therapists and clients collaborate together on working out what is most helpful to each individual client. In couples counseling, Pluralistic Theory focuses on what each partner wants to change in the relationship and how each person's individual characteristics and feelings can affect change.

Narrative Theory

Narrative therapy involves a process of deconstruction and "meaning making" which are achieved through questioning and collaboration with the client. Narrative therapy holds that our identities are shaped by the accounts of our lives found in our stories or narratives. A narrative therapist is interested in helping others fully describe their rich stories and trajectories, modes of living, and possibilities associated with them. At the same time, this therapist is interested in co-investigating a problem's many influences, including on the person and on their chief relationships.

Most marriages include periods of strain when partners feel unhappy or dissatisfied with each other or with their relationship. Sometimes, a particular family crisis can be identified as the source of the strain. A wife or husband loses a job or becomes ill, a parent dies; even a child’s birth can present unexpected psychological and physical demands, leaving spouses feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. Psychodynamic Theories help couples to see how negativbe patterns developed and how to alter those patterns in order to resolve conflicts. The goal of couples therapy is the modification or elimination of psychological roadblocks so partners can achieve greater satisfaction of mutual needs for closeness and intimacy, including sexual intimacy.

San Jose Marriage Counseling and Relationship Counseling

San Jose Couples Counseling services include couples counseling, depression and relationship counseling, and parenting counseling. Service area includes San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Cruz, Palo Alto, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Mountain View, Scotts Valley, Campbell, Willow Glen, and Milpitas CA.