Object relationships - Symmetry and asymmetry - Commentary on paper by Anthony Bass

Anthony Bass's paper is viewed from the perspective of the object relations orientation of a member of the British Group of Independent Psychoanalysts . The perceived transference-countertransference "equality" in the interper sonal model is described in the light of the asymmetry of the analytic rela tionship implied in the object relations relation model used by many Indepe ndents. The structuring role of object relationships in analysis is touched on, and the relationship between exploration of the unconscious and intern al construction processes is raised. In addition, Bion's model of "O," whic h seems to me to reflect many of the inherent qualities of Singer's and Bas s's model, is not referred to in Bass's paper. To what extent has Bion's th inking influenced the interpersonal model?