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alexandra_k said:
i think the idea is that in positive transference you have this image or idea of the therapist as a benevolent and powerful other. so when you are in their presence they are able to soothe you and make you feel cared about and worthy and cared for etc.

i have trouble with object constancy. object constancy is being able to conjure up the image or idea of the therapist (and feel soothed by that) even when the therapist is not present. when my therapist is not present i have significant difficulty remembering what he looks like or what his voice sounds like or what sort of thing he would say to me... hence i have trouble with object constancy. i actually need him to be present in order for his image to help me (because it is transference it is more about my image of him rather than who he really is).

internalising the image is being able to summon the image in the absense of the object. and the transference... is what gives the image its power.

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Excellent explanation, Alexandra....

I am the same way... He even suggested having phone sessions at times when I need him more, but I have trouble with that because like I said before... I need him right there to know he exists.

To internalize your T in a positive manner, you can transfer the positive aspects of therapy out of therapy, even when your T isn't present.

Can't do that yet. Not even close. Which is probably why that one hour per week is so crucial to me.