Understanding, recognising and utilising projection & projective identification phenomena

Understanding, recognising and utilising projection & projective identification phenomena in the therapeutic relationship with Phillip Whittington

The overall focus of this workshop is to generate cognitive and experiential awareness of working relationally with counter transference phenomena. To do this we will work to understand and acknowledge the defensive purposes of projection and projective identification with the overall aim of utilising this understanding to support, nourish and grow the therapeutic relationship. It is my belief that the transference present in human connection is an incredibly powerful force that we as therapists can take advantage of if we can open ourselves up to understanding the experience rather than directly responding to the impulses that transference triggers.

To assist us with this process our focus in the work will be on understanding:

• The purpose of projection.
• The various types of projection.
• The use and purpose of projective identification.
• The difference between projection and projective identification.
• How better to recognise and use what we experience in the presence of this phenomena to empower our work, increase self-care & recognise confluence alongside the possible invites to reenact our past experiences with our clients.

To assist the learning process, we will make good use of easily understandable theory such as:

• The drama triangle.
• Ego states.
• Character styles.

This workshop is highly interactive and delivered specifically this way to assist those attending to identify and develop further awareness of how the unique characteristics of each of us enables us to respond in different ways to the projections of others.