Passed tests breed stronger ties

    The Case of Otto Menu

    • COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, AND ANSWERS by Editor, 6/26/96
      • Chessick's Model of listening by Sisyphus, 7/9/96

    Passed tests breed stronger ties
    by Jessica Broitman, 7/9/96

    Sisyphus- Your comments are very interesting. I am not familiar with Chessick's Model. I would like to learn more about it. I think Otto was testing Don in the first session. I think he was presenting himself as he felt he was a out of control disgusting person who couldn't protect his girlfriend from harm. This was very upsetting to him as he hadn't be able to protect or stop his mom from acting out of control and behaving very badly during his childhood. Don passed the test by taking Otto very seriously and helping him find a way to get in control through the use of a hospital. This is unlike his being locked up in a closet by his mom because she did that in response to her own affect needs-She was out of control and rageful. This would be likely to make her child Otto fear his own rage and cause him great anxiety. To be seen for one of the first times as and who he really was would feel good to Otto. Thus the hospitalization was saying to Otto let figure this all out in a safe place where you don't have to worry about hurting anyone or yourself.

    I find people often begin with the relationship that is most troubling them at the time they enter treatment. Often it is the parent that they have the least trauma with as they will need to test the relationship in order to find if the therapist will (or not) repeat the trauma they experienced with their parents. I think Otto wants to work on his relationship with Sally because he needs help . He is unlikely to be able to choose a healthy relationship until he understands the traumas he carries with him. He may have a great deal of worry about women and feel compelled to take care of them.

    I would be happy to answer any questions you have about Control Mastery theory. You might also enjoy reading the material on it in the forum.
          • Control Mastery Question by Sisyphus, 7/11/96
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