The Dynamics of Merger in Couple Relating

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Written By Annalese

Presented by Mary Morgan

2 CEUs
Dates: December 11* 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Fee: $225

Abstract

This paper is an exploration of states of merger in couple relating. From a psychoanalytic standpoint merged forms of relating are usually considered anti developmental, the partners in the couple unable to manage separateness and difference. Even if the merger is initially felt as pleasurable, if the lack of differentiation persists then it can become claustrophobic and deadly. Nonetheless we might ask the question - are mergers always problematic, might they sometimes be necessary, can they be creative?Furthermore, as couple analysts it might be helpful to understand what kind of merger we are encountering in the couple presenting for help with this issue and how this might influence our interventions.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe one of they key anxieties driving mergers of all kinds

  • Give one reason why might the relinquishment of the in-love state be difficult for some

  • Describe how projective identification functions in projective gridlock couples

Annalese
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Tavistock Foundations