This book investigates the efficacy of applying object relations theory to short-term couples therapy through a structured, five-step clinical model. James M. Donovan, a clinical psychologist, draws upon decades of practice to synthesize complex psychoanalytic concepts into a manageable framework for practitioners. The text argues that by addressing internalized object relations, therapists can help couples resolve deep-seated conflicts within a time-limited format. The model provides a clear, step-by-step progression designed to facilitate insight and behavioral change in a clinical setting.

Clinicians and students of psychotherapy frequently cite this work as a practical bridge between abstract psychoanalytic theory and the constraints of modern clinical practice. Experts highlight the text as a foundational resource for therapists seeking to implement structured, depth-oriented interventions in a time-limited format.