The Goldilocks Function: Eating Disorders, Object Usage, and the Third

Abstract

This article describes the clinical treatment of a woman whose history was marked by cumulative parental neglect, and who initially presented with deficiencies and disruptive excesses in multiple domains of her life, including eating. Object relations and intersubjectivity theories are drawn upon to conceptualize the patient’s early developmental strivings. In this case, a potentially fracturing enactment propels developmental progression, and helps build regulatory processes. The author (therapist) argues that it is this event and subsequent transitions to object usage and then to intersubjectivity that ultimately foster a relinquishment of the patient’s extremes, as well as a sustaining exchange of nourishment between her and the patient.

Keywords:

• Donald Winnicott
• Jessica Benjamin
• object-relations
• intersubjectivity
• eating disorders
• regulatory processes

Notes

1 For a complete history of this tale see: https://torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/arts_culture/2021/01/the-three-bears-before-goldilocks-the-history-of-a-fairy-tale.html

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julia Elizabeth Sheehy

Julia Elizabeth Sheehy, Ph.D., is an adjunct professor at Barnard College of Columbia University, and a clinical supervisor for the City College of New York’s Clinical Program. She also maintains a private practice specializing in eating disorders in New York City.