First published in 1993, The Inner World Outside has become a classic in its field. Paul Holmes walks the reader through the 'inner world' of object relationships and the corresponding 'outside world' shared by others in which real relationships exist. Trained as a psychotherapist in both psychoanalytical and psychodramatic methods, Paul Holmes has written a well informed, clear introduction to Object Relations Theory and its relation to psychodrama. He explores the links between the theories of J.L. Moreno, the founder of psychodrama, and Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, and presents a stimulating synthesis. Each chapter opens with an account of part of a psychodrama session which focus on particular aspects of psychodrama or object relations theory illuminating the concepts or techniques using the clinical material from the group to illustrate basic psychoanalytic concepts in action.
Published here with a new introduction from the author that links the book's content to concepts of attachment theory, the book weaves together the very different concepts in an inspiring and comprehensive way that will ensure the book continues to be used by mental health and arts therapies professional, whether in training or practice.
"Through this book we can, in simple terms and vivid illustrations, approach the basic psychoanalytic concepts - the unconscious, transference, countertransference, psychic conflict, containment, and externalisations (projection) and enactment and is as good a way as any for beginning to learn about psychoanalysis." - Professor Robert Hinshelwood BSc MB BS Lond. FRCPsych . Professor of Psychoanalytic Studies, University of Essex
"This is the best practical introduction to psychodrama. It is thoroughly informed by psychoanalytic thinking. A significant educational achievement - and an essential read for those who are interested in making things happen in psychotherapy." - Professor Peter Fonagy, PhD, FBA, FMedSci, OBE, Freud Memorial Professor of Psychoanalysis and Head of the Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London
"This book builds bridges across what can sometimes feel like a yawning gap between psychoanalytic ideas and psychodrama. Paul Holmes' take on Object Relations theory is very accessible, clear and direct. Psychoanalytic concepts are not easy to apply but he gives them life. Through his descriptions of live drama it is possible to initially recognise unconscious internalised objects in the minds of group members and then how they are revealed. The title tells it all - The Inner World Outside! The book will be invaluable for students, teachers and clinicians alike." - Teresa von Sommaruga Howard, Architect and Group Analyst
