Psychodynamic Analysis of Racialized Interactions: The Get Out Case Study

ABSTRACT Understanding unconscious dynamics of racism is essential to considering some of the challenges inherent in providing therapeutic services when differences abound. Beyond ideas of cultural competency, this paper theoretically explores the possible dynamic interactions that occur below the surface of conscious efforts to help. Using the film Get Out as a case study, concepts of consciousness, double-consciousness, projection, projective identification, envy, and splitting illustrate a rich and complex unconscious dyadic interchange. The implications for various aspects of therapeutic involvement – from therapy to supervision to agencies practices – are explored.