This article explores the dynamics of couples embroiled in high-conflict divorce through the theoretical prism of British object relations theory. Such couples are often characterized by primitive object relations, and use splitting and projection as a way of ''being in the world.'' The fear of the ex-spouse's retaliation is accompanied by fear of their own destructiveness and a desire to make reparation; however, attempts at reparation at this level of relational functioning rarely achieve reconciliation. In fact, such dynamics create a cycle of terror, retaliation, and failed reparation attempts that in turn leads to further terror, splitting and projection, with the resulting outcome often a high-conflict divorce.

This article describes typologies of couples in high‐conflict divorces and explores their dynamics through the prism of family systems and British object relations theories. The article argues that couples embroiled in high‐conflict divorce often have primitive object relations. They tend to use splitting and projection processes and find it difficult to tolerate ambivalence or disagreement. Fear of the ex‐spouse's retaliation is often accompanied by fear of their own destructiveness and by a wish to make reparation. However, it seems that reparation attempts in primitive object relations rarely achieve reconciliation. A case study demonstrates the complicated dynamics of these couples. Clinical recommendations are made.

This paper aims to deepen understanding of the application of supportive psychoanalytic psychotherapy in work with couples and to anchor it in psychoanalytic theory and practice. It is based on the experience of collaboration between experienced couple therapists and supervisors, who face the frustration intrinsic to supportive psychoanalytic couple psychotherapy (SPCP). The article defines the principles of supportive psychoanalytic psychotherapy and discusses its application to couple psychotherapy, highlighting the therapist's role. A case example employing supportive couple psychotherapy is discussed for the purpose of clarifying and illustrating the essence of this therapeutic approach.