Posted by Brio D Chimp on October 25, 2003, at 20:27:50
In reply to Re: Can't remember what therapist looks like, posted by Brio D Chimp on October 25, 2003, at 20:25:14
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0395860067/drbobsvirte00-20
> This is supposed to happen in people who have problems with object constancy which is usually achieved at 24-36 mos when the child learns to internalize the image of the mother and comfort herself with it when she leaves knowing the mother will return again. Before that stage supposedly the child is unable to comprehend that the mother still exists when she is not present. People with problems with abandonment fears(BPD etc) are supposed to have not negotiated this phase successfully. In Judith Rossner's novel "August" the patient snaps the analyst's photo before he leaves for vacation because she is afraid she will be unable to remember him. I think it's not an uncommon phenomenom.
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> That idea is based on Margaret Mahler's work if you're interested in looking it up. She was an analyst I think-not too many of them around these days but the idea kind of makes sense.
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> PS I can't get that novel to link to amazon.
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> > Has anyone else had this happen? I've known my therapist for almost 4 years. For some reason I am not able to remember what she looks like in between appointments. I go to see her every 1 or 2 weeks. Why would I not remember what she looks like? I asked her and she didn't know either.
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poster:Brio D Chimp
thread:273308
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031011/msgs/273440.html