Abusive Family Experiences and Object Relations Disturbances

Abstract

This case describes the treatment of a 27-year-old, female international student who initially presented with severe stress. Until age 13, she lived in a dysfunctional family where her object relations were distorted and her attachment formation disturbed, leaving her unable to set healthy boundaries and trust others. The early physical abuse, neglect, and emotional void of the family environment created challenges for this graduate student in counseling because her academic program required her to delve into early family dynamics in self-reflective assignments. The goal of treatment was to help her establish a healthy attachment style. She would then be able to rebuild a more cohesive, discriminating, and flexible sense of self through the therapy relationship.