Dr. James Tobin Ph.D. - Psychologist
Articles
WELCOME TO DR. TOBIN’S ARTICLES
Dr. Tobin regularly publishes blog articles and posts information and writings by other authors on various issues including child development and adolescence, parenting, romantic love, men and masculinity, the psychotherapy process, the training and supervision of psychologists, sexual compulsivity and addiction, and organizational culture and change. If there is a topic you would like Dr. Tobin to feature, please email him directly at jt@jamestobinphd.com.
Why We Pursue the Familiar: Insights from Psychology and Psychoanalysis
Why We Pursue the Familiar: Insights from Psychology and Psychoanalysis James Tobin, Ph.D. Being drawn to the familiar is a human tendency determined by an array of psychological, neurobiological, and evolutionary factors. Although there are advantages to...
The Psychology of Resilience: Coping Challenges and How Psychotherapy Bolsters Adaptability
The Psychology of Resilience: Coping Challenges and How Psychotherapy Bolsters Adaptability Resilience is an acquired capacity encompassing an array of emotional, attitudinal, and behavioral (coping) skills which can be supported and advanced by psychotherapy. KEY...
What is a Sadomasochistic Relationship? Psychology and Dynamics
What is a Sadomasochistic Relationship? Psychology and Dynamics James Tobin, Ph.D. A relationship dynamic may evolve in which one partner is motivated by sadistic impulses and the other by masochistic needs; these complementary roles interlock and form a symbiotic...
Parasitic Relationships Provide “Narcissistic Supplies” Lacking in the Narcissist
Parasitic Relationships Provide "Narcissistic Supplies" Lacking in the Narcissist James Tobin, Ph.D. Narcissistic individuals "parasitically" relate to others to extract psychological nourishment rather than cultivate authentic interpersonal connection, intimacy,...
“Knowing” and “Unknowing” Your Partner: How Couples Therapy Promotes Narrative Deconstruction
"Knowing” and "Unknowing" Your Partner: How Couples Therapy Promotes Narrative Deconstruction Positive change occurs in couples therapy when partners’ deeply ingrained assumptions about, and biased views of, each other are challenged and refined, re-igniting...
The Crucial Role of the Therapeutic Alliance in Individual Psychotherapy
The Relationship between Client and Therapist The term “therapeutic alliance” has a long tradition in the field of clinical psychotherapy and, in recent decades, has been elaborated on and expanded by the relational school in the modern psychoanalytic community. ...
Enhancing Emotional Intimacy in Couples: Connection, Vulnerability, and Communication
Enhancing Emotional Intimacy in Couples: Connection, Vulnerability, and Communication The Importance of Emotional Intimacy in Relationships In my clinical practice in recent years, I have seen an increase in the number of couples who present for therapy with the...
The Power of Group Dynamics in Therapy
The Power of Group Dynamics in Therapy: Nurturing Connection, Support, and Here-and-Now Processing Introduction: The Power of Group Dynamics Group psychotherapy provides a unique setting for individuals to come together and, within the supportive environment...
Exploring the Use of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Exploring the Use of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy The Psychodynamic Approach The psychodynamic approach involves viewing a therapy patient’s current problems as being related to unresolved historical/developmental issues from as far back as childhood or...
