The Matrix of the Mind: Object Relations and the Psychoanalytic Dialogue

by Thomas H. Ogden

A comprehensive overview of object relations theory from a Kleinian perspective. It includes chapters on phantasy, the paranoid-schizoid and depressive positions, internal objects, and the work of Winnicott on potential space.

Genres: Psychoanalysis, Psychology, Nonfiction

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Roman Calmus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ogden made good job in explaining how object-relations theory in psychoanalysis was developed from M. Klein to D. Winnicott. Lot's of interesting examples from his experience of working with different patients, especially those how was labeled as schizophrenic or severe disordered.

Crucial difference in those how we label as normal or more healthier people and those who we label as more disordered or schizophrenic is in ability to play with meaning and experience. In other words in ability to make difference between symbol, symbolized and who think or dream.

[Mariana Elizondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Al leer el libro me dió la sensación de poder mirar un caso muy desde afuera. Es muy impresionante. Tiene bastante el estilo de Joyce McDougall.

[Ceren Şimşek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sfenks kitap psikoloji alanında kıymetli yayınları Türkçe okuyabilmemize imkan sunuyor.Ogden’in zihnindeki Klein’ı ve Winnicot’ı okumak çok zihin açıcıydı.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a helpful, clear explanation and extension of Winnicottian theory, especially in regard to object relations and potential space. If one is completely unfamiliar with psychoanalysis or the ideas of Donald Winnicott, however, this book does not really serve well as a basic introduction, since the terminology and theoretical perspectives are more geared to readers with a history of psychoanalytic study.

[Mitchell Chatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read. On a more granular scale, probably a 4.5/5 star title.

The movements between Klein and Winnicott and back again to fill in gaps in the other’s theories is extremely enjoyable. A lot of the content also seemed to be intuitively true from my observations, but which I have never heard expressed in such a way. For example, the simple explanation of analytic space as a suspended area which can be collapsed by an injection of excess ‘reality’.

[James Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So astonishingly genius that it may hold the keys to solving many a psychotic disorder.

[Menoedh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sumpah buku ini susah banget buat dimengerti! Hahaha...sebenarnya si penulis berusaha untuk menjelaskan apa sih teori object relations itu? Dan memasukkan beberapa tokoh-tokoh terkenal object relations seperti Melanie Klein dan Donald Winicott. Tapi gue sama sekali ngga merekomendasikan buku ini. Lebih baik baca buku yang memang asli dari para tokoh object relations itu untuk ngerti. Atau cari buku tahun 1990-an =D

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ogden does a great job of both integrating Klenian theory with a more Winnicotian theory, along with describing what these theories actually look like in practice. The book is rife with case material, and interesting discussions about theory.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant.