Factors Influencing Object Relation Therapy Based on Transference and Potential Space: Analyzing the Experience and Understanding of Clients Suffering from Major Depressive Disorder

Depression is a widespread disorder that affects all aspects of a person’s life. Various psychological and medical interventions have been proposed to help treat depressive symptoms. One effective treatment is object relation therapy based on transference and potential space.
In the current study, we focus on how clients who suffer depressive disorder understand this type of therapy.
This qualitative research was conducted in 2015 - 2016 using a content analysis with 18 Iranian participants who were diagnosed with depressive disorder based on the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV, the clinician version (SCID-I/C V) and who had received object relation therapy based on transference and potential space. The study was carried out in an outpatient clinic of the school of behavioral sciences and mental health (formerly Tehran Institute of psychiatry). The data were collected through conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews, which continued until data saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed with the induction method.
The analysis of the data resulted in the identification of 2 main categories and 4 subcategories. “Gradual formation of therapeutic alliance” and “use of non-interpretative techniques” were the subcategories of “analytic dyad formation” as the main category; and “in-depth examination of client experience” and “client’s emotional expression” were listed under “development of self-awareness and self-expression”.
Gradual formation of therapeutic alliance is consistent with literature that emphasizes the necessity of new relational experiences and creation of a safe attachment base in therapy. The findings showed that the exploration and awareness of patterns in the context of a secure relationship and transference and extra-transference can produce therapeutic changes. In addition, such safe space can provide a suitable context for releasing built-up emotions.