In Harriet Wadeson's sequence, which stage follows 'Decrease Defenses'?

In Harriet Wadeson's sequence, which stage follows 'Decrease Defenses'?

• A. Imagery
• B. Objectification
• C. Permanence
• D. Spacial Matrix

Answer: (B)

When defenses are lowered, the next move is to externalize what’s inside by objectifying it—giving inner experiences a concrete, tangible form through art. This stage, objectification, turns feelings, conflicts, and themes into objects, figures, or scenes that can be seen, touched, and discussed. That externalized work creates a shared, concrete reference point for therapy, making it easier to name and explore what’s happening, notice patterns, and begin to interpret meaning with the therapist. It’s a bridge from implicit experience toward clearer insight and dialogue, setting the stage for deeper symbolism and eventual integration. Imagery, permanence, and spatial exploration can follow, but objectification is the natural next step because it moves content from inside the thinker into accessible, discussable material.

When defenses are lowered, the next move is to externalize what’s inside by objectifying it—giving inner experiences a concrete, tangible form through art. This stage, objectification, turns feelings, conflicts, and themes into objects, figures, or scenes that can be seen, touched, and discussed. That externalized work creates a shared, concrete reference point for therapy, making it easier to name and explore what’s happening, notice patterns, and begin to interpret meaning with the therapist. It’s a bridge from implicit experience toward clearer insight and dialogue, setting the stage for deeper symbolism and eventual integration. Imagery, permanence, and spatial exploration can follow, but objectification is the natural next step because it moves content from inside the thinker into accessible, discussable material.